thefictionvixens 55: Calling each other brothers
55: Calling each other brothers
Jiang Wen arrived at Han Wen's house before the agreed time. He was quite surprised when he saw the large courtyard of Han Wen's house.
"Han Wen, if I had known your yard was this big, big enough to be used as a parking lot, I would have driven over." He yelled at Han Wen, "Little brother, you're not being fair! Why didn't you tell me about your house sooner?"
"Teacher Jiang, it's not my fault, you didn't ask." Han Wen felt wronged: "Besides, since we agreed on the phone that we wouldn't leave until we were drunk, did you still want to drive away?"
As the saying goes, "Don't drink and drive," so you're right not to drive here.
"After I've drunk you out of your mind, I'll just find a Jeep Beetle and tow you away, that's it."
"Brother, you're really not polite to me at all, and your words are unpleasant to hear."
"Brother, let me tell you, only I'm magnanimous enough not to stoop to your level." Jiang Wen shook his head: "Where's Chairman Han? Did he go to the company? Isn't he home?"
"You're a distinguished guest. My mom and the nanny went to the hotel to prepare your meal." Han Wen replied, "Come on, Teacher Jiang, let's go inside."
"Alright, brother, I'm going to give this place a good challenge today." Jiang Wen nodded and followed Han Wen into the house.
"Teacher Jiang, you're exaggerating." Han Wen shook his head. "I invited you here to talk about serious business with you. I have no other motives."
"Brother, you've brought up Jiang Wu. Do you think I don't know what you're up to?" Jiang Wen snorted. "You're quite something, managing to find my brother. Most people don't know about the relationship between Jiang Wu and me."
"But even if you find Jiang Wu, it won't help. My brother is too young; he's just started acting. Compared to me, he's far inferior."
"Of course." Han Wen first asked Jiang Wen to sit down, and nodded while making him tea. "However, I was forced into this situation."
Director Zheng invited you so many times, but you always refused. The project won't wait, so I have to find another way.
To be honest, Mr. Jiang, regardless of Jiang Wu's age or acting skills, his face alone is perfect for the role of Wang Qiming.
Jiang Wen took the tea Han Wen offered and touched his face with his hand: "Han Wen, do you have a mirror at home?"
"Teacher Jiang, you don't need to look in the mirror anymore. Let me tell you, you and Jiang Wu are cut from the same mold, almost like twins." Han Wen laughed: "When the TV series is filmed..."
If I print his photo on a poster, publish it in the newspaper, and broadcast it on TV, who do you think the audience will think he is? Of course, they'll think he's the double Hundred Flowers Award-winning actor.
The publicity effect is even better than inviting you to participate in the performance in person. Don't you think that makes sense? Isn't that possible?
"How bizarre!" Jiang Wen paused for a moment before revealing a displeased expression: "Brother, why are you getting involved in these crooked and evil ways at such a young age?"
Brother, let me tell you, doing things this way is dangerous and can easily lead to problems.
"Teacher Jiang, don't give me that nonsense. I just want to ask you, what do you think of my method?" Han Wen asked, "Jiang Wu is your younger brother, your own brother. Can I let him ride on your fame?"
"Okay." Jiang Wen gave a thumbs up and nodded.
"This is outrageous." Han Wen nodded. "So, Teacher Jiang, if you really don't want to take this role, I'll really give it to Jiang Wu."
"Brother, if I agree to act in this, the pay won't be low." Jiang Wen thought for a moment before saying, "I'm afraid you can't afford it."
"I really can't afford a double Hundred Flowers Award-winning actor. How about you lower the price a bit?" Han Wen asked tentatively.
"That won't do." Jiang Wen shook his head directly: "You just made me unhappy, and I won't lower myself to that level."
"If you can afford the pay, I'll reluctantly take the role. If you can't, don't even think about trying to get anything from me through my brother."
"So, Teacher Jiang, how much is your fee?" Han Wen couldn't help but ask.
Jiang Wen shook his head: "This is the minimum price. Would you even dare to ask for less?"
"Fifty thousand!" Han Wen laughed. "Teacher Jiang, you should have said so earlier. Although the budget for this project is tight, we can still come up with fifty thousand yuan."
"Fifty thousand?" Jiang Wen's eyes widened, then he laughed: "Yes, fifty thousand. But it's foreign currency."
"Teacher Jiang, how about a discount?" Han Wen suggested, "I'll drink with you at noon, until you're completely satisfied."
"Let's talk after we finish our drinks," Jiang Wen said, neither taking the bait nor giving him any face.
The lunch was very lavish, and the wine was Moutai.
People from Beijing enjoy drinking and have a good tolerance for alcohol. However, people from the southwestern provinces are also quite heavy drinkers, reportedly averaging a pound of liquor per person, never willing to lose.
At noon, Han Qingyan and Han Wen personally accompanied the guests, with Jiang Wen being the only guest. Once the mother and son raised their glasses, they were unstoppable, killing anyone who stood in their way.
Even though Jiang Wen was a heavy drinker, he was still defeated by Han Qingyan and Han Wen. Soon, he started putting his arm around Han Wen's shoulder and calling him brother.
The drinking culture of the Chinese people is so magical; almost everything can be resolved at the dinner table.
Jiang Wen was originally a straightforward and easy-going person, and after drinking too much, he became very easy to talk to.
He accepted the role. He played the character Wang Qiming. He even voluntarily lowered his salary.
Moreover, the price had dropped by more than half, and they were urging Han Qingyan to bring the contract quickly. After finishing his drink and signing the contract, he still had to go home.
Hanwen can assemble and repair computers himself, so he naturally has a computer at home, and of course, he also has a printer.
He quickly drafted the contract, printed it out, and after Jiang Wen confirmed that it was correct, both parties signed and pressed their fingerprints.
"Brother, you're just my type. Want to be an actor? Stick with me, and I'll protect you from now on," Jiang Wen said with a smile after signing the contract.
"I appreciate Brother Jiang's kind offer, but I'm truly sorry. I have no interest in acting." Han Wen shook his head.
"Brother, don't be so quick to refuse. After I finish acting in this TV series, I'm planning to become a director myself," Jiang Wen continued to persuade. "Then, I'll ask you to be the lead. We brothers can make a movie together and go abroad to win awards."
Han Wen knew that next year, right next year, Jiang Wen would actually become a director after filming "The People of Beijing in New York".
Moreover, his directorial debut, "In the Heat of the Sun," not only won the Volpitt Award for Best Actor at the 51st Venice International Film Festival, but also swept six awards at the Lotus City Golden Horse Awards, including Best Film and Best Director, as well as other international awards, causing a global sensation.
Unfortunately, Han Wen really had no interest in acting. Even if he became a movie star, what good would it do? He'd still just be a dog under the thumb of capital. So, he had to politely decline the offer again.
Upon hearing this, Jiang felt quite regretful. However, she did not press the matter further.
He said goodbye to Han Qingyan, and with Han Wen's help, he staggered out of the courtyard, hailed a minivan, and left.