Chapter 48 Meeting Xu Qing Again, Using Xu Qing!

Kang Jianmin was already an accomplished Chinese filmmaker. He was by no means someone who lived off his title without effort. As the director of the Xiaoxiang studio, he had genuinely overseen the production of several commendable films—not just "That Mountain, That Man, That Dog." He also championed the later film "The National Anthem." The films were good, but what about the money? Not a cent was seen!

In Ma Xun’s memory, the success of "That Mountain, That Man, That Dog" in Japan had sent shockwaves through the Chinese film industry. The island nation really knew how to market a film. First, they promoted the original author to gain fame. Then, upon release, they flooded the media with praise from countless film celebrities. Later, they even placed the movie posters in Japanese post offices. To be frank, the postal workers in Japan hardly worked as hard as the father in the movie, who trekked on foot for three days over 200 miles of mountain paths. Yet, those postal workers shamelessly claimed the father in the film represented their image!

Unbelievable! Such blatant nonsense! Even Ma Xun was taken aback by their audacity to spin such tales. And it didn’t end there—they even issued postage stamps featuring Liu Ye’s face, whose popularity in Japan soared partly because of his appearance on those stamps. Decades later, many people in Japan still sent letters, and stamps were equivalent to the 3.5-inch floppy disks of communication. Moreover, the Iwanami Cinema was quite special; it showcased only masterpieces, and films there ran for one or two years. This was a smooth, well-planned series of moves, each positively impacting the box office. How could it not succeed?

One more detail: Chinese filmmakers only saw this whole playbook in 2002. In other words, at the dawn of the new century, Chinese filmmakers were deeply impressed by the lengths their neighbors went to promote a single film. Now it was 1997, and mainland Chinese filmmakers were still novices when it came to understanding the film market.

After talking with Kang Jianmin, Ma Xun felt like he was delivering a dimensionality reduction strike. He merely suggested that they first promote the original novel and make the author famous. Kang Jianmin’s expression showed that he had no concept of marketing at all. In such a situation, was Ma Xun angry? Not at all. This was his golden opportunity! Now that "That Mountain, That Man, That Dog" was in his hands, he intended to apply a smooth set of strategies to ignite its success domestically. Of course, he would also target Japan, but this time, he would not let Japanese distributors profit so handsomely.

In fact, Ma Xun had already begun by urging Kang Jianmin to push the novel and its author, Peng Jianming. That was his opening move. The second was the casting call to find the “Xiangjiang Girl.” Two moves had slipped out almost unintentionally, but was that enough? Certainly not. What about Japan’s approach? They had even hung the movie posters in post offices. Ma Xun planned to do the same and engage the postal system with interactive events or activities.

The father in the film had a real-life prototype—postal workers in mountainous areas like him. But this required connections. So Ma Xun approached Sun Donghai about it. “The postal system? Brother, I really can’t help; I don’t know anyone there.” “Sun Donghai, don’t forget how you used to brag about knowing everyone in the compound.” “Bro, I admit I was wrong. But there are many compounds; you know I don’t know everyone.” “Then stop bragging so much.” “Okay, okay, I’ll tone it down. You’re also from the compound, so why don’t you find someone yourself?”

Damn it! Not only did Sun Donghai refuse to help, his words seemed to cast doubt on Ma Xun’s own status as a compound insider. This was not good! “Fine! I’ll handle this myself! When it takes off, don’t be jealous!” Ma Xun spoke boldly, though he felt a bit uncertain inside. Fortunately, Sun Donghai just laughed it off, clearly skeptical that a film like "That Mountain" could make money. He was preparing to head south, ready to claim his cut from "New Shanghai Bund," and still held a soft spot for the duo Zhong Zhen and Nai Zi.

Ma Xun, of course, had no interest in going south. The lineup for "My Lord, I Want You" didn’t appeal to him—unless Long Wu starred in "Jade Maiden’s Secret," and definitely not with Da Zui Qi. So they parted ways, one heading south, the other north. Yet the pressure on Ma Xun grew. He had to make "That Mountain, That Man, That Dog" a success and collaborate with the postal system; otherwise, Sun Donghai might grow suspicious. This was a difficult situation. Ma Xun knew he had only two options: find a postal system leader to build a relationship or find stronger connections. Neither was currently within reach. It was time to return to Beijing.

“Breaking news! Xu Qing’s affair exposed!”
“Insiders reveal that Xu Qing’s lover is Liu Bo, the last disciple of renowned sinologist Ji Xianlin…”
“Liu Bo runs a listed company, and rumors have long circulated about marital discord…”

On the plane, with little else to do, Ma Xun flipped through newspapers and magazines, catching a juicy piece of gossip. Xu Qing and Liu Bo weren’t broken up yet? After all the guidance he’d given her, if she was still with Liu Bo… Ma Xun chuckled inwardly: What a foolish woman. But looking at her photo, he couldn’t help but recall that night—her initial bold advances, then her resistance and struggle. The shift in expression on Xu Qing’s face was unforgettable to any man, as was the exquisite embrace… Well, if she remained stubborn, no one could help her.

Sometimes, fate simply exists between people. As Ma Xun disembarked, he saw a crowd gathering. Following a uniquely Chinese habit—no matter the issue, first watch the commotion—he approached. He soon spotted the woman from the papers: Xu Qing, surrounded by reporters, with countless onlookers nearby.

“Miss Xu Qing, is there trouble in your relationship with Mr. Liu Bo?”
“Miss Xu Qing, Mr. Liu Bo recently announced he will divorce!”
“Will you marry him?”

What? The story was developing so fast! As Ma Xun was savoring the gossip, one of the protagonists arrived.

“Look! It’s Liu Bo!”
“The leading man is here!”
“What’s he going to do? Try to win her back?”

The reporters were now as eager as bystanders. Liu Bo strode over and grabbed Xu Qing’s arm.
“I can’t live without you.”

Ma Xun watched carefully and sensed something. At that moment, Xu Qing panicked, desperate to leave. She struggled free and quickened her pace, shocking Liu Bo. He had always seen her as a girl he could manipulate, but now she was no longer under his control. That wouldn’t do—he had to chase her!

He pursued, she fled, bursting through the airport gates. She was truly panicked and disoriented, standing outside the airport. To hail a taxi, one had to queue. At that moment, Liu Bo caught up and pulled out something from his pocket: a diamond ring.

Dropping to one knee with sincerity, he said, “Marry me.”

The scene was instantly captured by flashing cameras and reporters who were moved to tears. Liu Bo was treating them to a spectacle! The flashing lights only heightened Xu Qing’s panic, but she was utterly alone.

Just then, a Mercedes 320 pulled up. The door opened, and the driver, wearing sunglasses and a mask, remained anonymous. Xu Qing recognized him immediately—the man who had left her speechless that night. How to choose now? The glamorous actress brushed off the ring and slipped into the Mercedes.

The engine roared to life, and the car sped away, leaving a stunned Liu Bo and the crowd of gawking reporters behind. Of course, the cameras kept clicking. But many reporters quickly noticed a detail.
“The license plate is covered.”
“So we can’t find out who’s driving?”

The driver was, of course, Ma Xun. Luckily, before leaving Beijing, he had parked the car at the airport. After leaving, he stopped on the roadside and removed the license plate cover—he didn’t want a fine.

Back in the car, Xu Qing was genuinely grateful. This man had truly saved her. She had seen Liu Bo’s true colors: a scoundrel who wanted to exploit her family background. But Xu Qing didn’t expect Ma Xun to say this:

“Don’t thank me yet. I saved you this time because I want you to do something for me.”

Ah? Xu Qing couldn’t help but lament her misfortune—this man wanted to use her too…