Chapter 487: Greenlighting "My Hero

Chapter 487: Chapter 487: Greenlighting "My Hero

Thanks to that screenplay, Zhang Yong had also secured a firm foothold at the Shencheng Film Studio.

After all, the studio’s sixty-percent cut of the profits amounted to a full 18 million.

And that was just from the domestic box office. The returns from international ticket sales were expected to be just as considerable.

Since they were all in the same industry, it was easy to ask around and find out just how popular the movie had become abroad.

That was why Zhang Yong was ecstatic the moment he heard Han Xiaorui wanted to make another film.

Although Zhang Yong had written two more screenplays after finishing *Anti-Japanese Treasure Hunter*, and one of them had even been selected, the reception had been lukewarm.

The blow had shattered Zhang Yong’s confidence!

"President Han, what kind of movie are you planning to make?" Seeing Han Xiaorui’s car pull up to the entrance, Zhang Yong rushed over to open her door, his manner exceptionally attentive.

Han Xiaorui waved the file folder in her hand. "Let’s talk in your office."

Zhang Yong nodded eagerly. "Of course. I have my own office now. We can take our time."

Once they were in the office, Zhang Yong personally poured Han Xiaorui a glass of water.

Han Xiaorui wasn’t thirsty, however, and didn’t drink it.

Han Xiaorui handed the folder to Zhang Yong. "I’m just providing the source material. You’ll be the one to write it into a story or a full screenplay. Then, I’ll fund it, and the film studio will be in charge of production and distribution."

Curious, Zhang Yong quickly took the file folder.

The first thing he saw was a photo of the dog’s head, which had been brutally hacked.

And yet, the black police dog in the picture wasn’t even barking, merely enduring the pain.

The file went on to detail how the police dog had been injured, along with records of the missions it had completed.

As Zhang Yong read through the materials, his hands began to tremble. Images of the police dog’s heroic actions on its missions flashed through his mind.

He could almost see it: majestic, serious, and cautious while on duty, yet playful and funny in its everyday life.

Zhang Yong’s eyes grew moist, and by the time he finished, he had to wipe away tears.

"President Han, even if the studio decides not to make this film, I will write Lightning’s story."

"They may be born as dogs, but their deeds are those of a true hero. While we praise human heroes, we should also praise humanity’s best companions."

Han Xiaorui’s eyes lit up. "Zhang Yong, you make an excellent point! What do you think if we call the movie *My Hero*? This police dog was injured while rescuing a kidnapped little girl."

"The dog wouldn’t have been hurt, but the drug trafficker panicked. He was about to be caught, but he wanted to take someone down with him. He tried to kill the little girl with a shovel, but Lightning jumped in front of her, shielding her with its own body."

"He’s truly that little girl’s guardian angel, her hero. So what if we tell the story from her perspective and use that as the title? What do you think?"

Zhang Yong thought it over and realized the title had the same stroke of genius as their previous film, *Anti-Japanese Treasure Hunter*.

"President Han, I’m discovering you have a real artistic streak! Every title you pick is fantastic. They’re not just catchy, they’re memorable."

Han Xiaorui waved her hand dismissively at the compliment. "I was just inspired by what you said about the dog being a hero! Our K-9 base is sending people to Yun Province to bring Lightning back right away. Do you want to go with them?"

Zhang Yong nodded vigorously. "Of course I’m going! One thing I learned from the last film is that you can’t just focus on the big, glorious, heroic moments. You also have to pay attention to the daily lives of every person, every character."

"Whether it’s a person or a police dog, they’re living beings. You can only truly capture a character by understanding the details of their life. I need to talk to everyone who has interacted with this dog, record every little detail of its life. That’s the only way to write a character that feels real."

Han Xiaorui nodded. "Excellent."

Just then, Director Huang of the film studio heard that Han Xiaorui had arrived and came to Zhang Yong’s office personally.

"President Han, what brings you here today?" Director Huang asked. He considered Han Xiaorui a major benefactor, not to mention a good luck charm.

Their last collaboration had been a massive success for Director Huang; it was arguably the biggest box office profit the studio had seen since its founding.

The key was that in a collaboration with Han Xiaorui, they didn’t have to put up any money. They just had to provide the manpower and effort, and they’d still get a sixty-percent cut of the profits.

Manpower and equipment were the two things their film studio had in abundance. If someone else was willing to foot the bill, they were more than happy to make the movie.

’It was a can’t-lose proposition. What a deal!’

Thanks to the huge payout from *Anti-Japanese Treasure Hunter*, their studio had not only purchased a new batch of advanced equipment but had also given out hefty bonuses to the actors. Everyone was set to have a prosperous new year.

Seeing Director Huang approach, Han Xiaorui quickly stood up. "Director Huang, hello. I’m the chief trainer of the K-9 base..."

Director Huang, who had been all smiles, grew serious as he listened to Han Xiaorui’s story.

"President Han, this is an excellent subject. We will absolutely give it the serious treatment it deserves. Don’t you worry. I’ll arrange for Zhang Yong, a cinematographer, and other staff members to go to Yun Province to gather material and perfect the screenplay."

Han Xiaorui was pleased to hear this. "Thank you, Director Huang. I hope this film will carry on the strengths of *Anti-Japanese Treasure Hunter*—excellent production values, less preachy lecturing, but in a way that leaves everyone who sees it shaken and deeply moved."

"Also, we need to innovate our filming techniques, try to learn from what they’re doing in Hong Kong and Taiwan, or even internationally. This should be a film for all ages. It has potential not just in the domestic market, but overseas as well. Zhang Yong’s screenwriting style is a good fit for my vision."

Director Huang smiled and looked at Zhang Yong. "Did you hear that, Zhang Yong? You’d better write a great screenplay. Don’t disappoint President Han."

"Director, rest assured, I will definitely write a great screenplay," Zhang Yong said, thrilled. ’No one can take this job from me now.’

Han Xiaorui added another condition. "Once the screenplay is finished, I want to read it. If I feel any part of it doesn’t work, I’ll give my suggestions."

Zhang Yong nodded. "Of course. President Han, your judgment is exceptional. I welcome your guidance."

Han Xiaorui smiled. "Then I look forward to working with you. I’ll wait for you to return from your research trip. In the meantime, I’ll have my investment company’s staff contact your studio to handle the contract."

Director Huang shook Han Xiaorui’s hand. "President Han, I look forward to our future collaborations."

"As do I," Han Xiaorui said with a nod, having set the plan in motion.

The film studio moved quickly. That very day, they assembled a small team and flew to Yun Province with the staff from the K-9 base.

Han Xiaorui had already decided. This movie would surely be profitable, and she would use the earnings to establish a dedicated fund for the medical treatment and retirement care of injured police dogs.

Three days later, Lightning was brought back.

He received treatment from a highly skilled veterinarian at the K-9 base, and his condition stabilized.

Han Xiaorui visited him every day. She would reach out and stroke Lightning’s bandaged head. "Lightning, you just focus on getting better. Once you’ve recovered, I’ll take you out to play."

When the black police dog named Lightning saw Han Xiaorui, a look of happy surprise filled his eyes. He nuzzled her palm with his head, as if to comfort her and say, "It doesn’t hurt."