Hong Kong variety show: I Am a Tycoon

Chapter 208 Celebration Banquet

On the day of the program.

Jiang Dawei suddenly showed up to celebrate Dillon's arrival. The two brothers, who had been estranged for many years, embraced tightly, and Dillon was so excited that he was incoherent.

The next day, all the front pages of Hong Kong newspapers featured large photos of the two reconciling, and countless people were moved and touched.

Director Wu Yusen spoke emotionally to the camera: "When I was at my lowest point, when I was most desperate and needed to affirm myself and have friends, Mr. Chen and Xu Ke found me..."

Finally, I regained my dignity in this film. Thank you to my boss, Mr. Chen, and thank you to all the creators for their hard work.

Chow Yun-fat excitedly gripped the microphone: "I've made dozens of films in the past few years, but only this one, A Better Tomorrow, is remembered by the public."

At first, I hesitated when I received the script, but after reading it, I felt as if I had found the feeling I was looking for. Thank you, Mr. Chen, for choosing me. I also want to thank one of my special fans for their tremendous support.

Offstage, Deng Yongqiang, a fifth-generation rich kid, clapped his hands and looked at his driver: "The car hasn't been sold yet, has it?"

He excitedly sponsored his car, only to find out after watching the movie that it was meant to be used as a hearse. As soon as he left the theater, he told his driver to get rid of the unlucky thing as soon as possible.

"Boss, after you finished watching the movie, didn't you tell me to sell it right away?"

"Huh? Who did you sell it to?"

"It has been acquired by Mr. Chen."

In that instant, Deng Yongqiang was filled with remorse, feeling as if he were the only one in the world who had been hurt...

Leslie Cheung smiled brightly and said with great spirit, "I've known Mr. Chan for over two years. In my heart, he's a kind and loyal older brother. Two years ago, a friend of mine went astray, and it was Mr. Chan who saved him..."

Leslie Cheung was referring to his friend Paul Chung's gambling debts.

Because of the huge success of "A Better Tomorrow", the merchandise related to "A Better Tomorrow" also became extremely popular, with young people flocking to buy trench coats, sneakers, shirts and sunglasses.

With these four items, you also need to have a toothpick in your mouth.

According to incomplete statistics, sales of toothpicks and matches in Hong Kong in 1981 more than doubled compared to previous years.

Meanwhile, the brands under Guojun Garment Factory have become incredibly popular, especially with the addition of several advertisements featuring actors from the movie "A Better Tomorrow," giving them the potential to become a hit both domestically and internationally.

A week later, the box office statistics were released.

It grossed 350 million yuan on its opening day and 2570 million yuan in its first week, with an average occupancy rate of 96% in its first week of release.

Such terrifying data brought tears to Shaw Brothers' eyes, broke Raymond Chow's heart, and sent shivers down the spines of countless film and television professionals in Hong Kong.

Chow Yun-fat became incredibly famous, the kind of fame that's almost unbelievable, and film offers from major companies poured in like snowflakes.

Lee Chi-hung has also become famous. He used to be a low-level civil servant who occasionally shot commercials to earn some pocket money. Now, he has risen to become a top movie star.

As for Leslie Cheung, who was originally just a TV actor, his salary suddenly jumped to 50, which can be described as a carp leaping over the dragon gate.

……

With a beaming smile, Zeng Ziwei drove his newly purchased Toyota toward the Shangri-La Hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui.

On the exterior wall of a distant building, a 20-meter-high giant poster of "A Better Tomorrow" shows Chow Yun-fat wearing sunglasses and lighting a cigarette with a US dollar bill.

A Tesla double-decker bus passed by Zeng Ziwei, its body also bearing promotional advertisements for "A Better Tomorrow".

On the street, a few hooligans wearing ill-fitting trench coats, sunglasses, and holding matches in their mouths were singing "How Much Wind and Rain".

In the past two weeks, countless white-collar workers in Hong Kong have changed their English names to "MARK," and members of various social groups have started calling themselves "Little Ma"...

Quietly, Hung Hing Records was established, and the soundtrack of "A Better Tomorrow" was released.

Several of the songs featured in the film have been hailed by the media as classics in both Cantonese and Mandarin.

Even Hokkien songs like "Brothers in Ups and Downs" are widely sung in Hong Kong.

The soundtrack to "A Better Tomorrow" sold over 10 copies in just one week after its release in Hong Kong. Judging by the rate of sales growth, selling 20 copies is no problem at all.

What did it mean to sell 200,000 records in Hong Kong in the early 1980s?
2.5 copies is considered gold, 5 copies is considered platinum, 10 copies is considered double platinum, 15 copies is considered triple platinum, 20 copies is considered quadruple platinum, and so on.

Before this, perhaps only a single album by two legendary singers, Hsu Kuan-chieh and Alan Tam, had achieved quadruple platinum sales.

How could such a record achieve quadruple platinum sales in Hong Kong?
This has left other record companies feeling increasingly bewildered by the world.

Zeng Ziwei's car came to a smooth stop at the Shangri-La Hotel, where a number of entertainment reporters were already gathered, interviewing Liang Kun.

The celebration banquet for "A Better Tomorrow" captivated the attention of numerous media outlets in Hong Kong, as it can be said to be the highest-grossing film in Hong Kong in recent years.

For this celebration banquet, the Shangri-La Hotel even laid out a long red carpet at the entrance, all the way to the banquet hall.

As Liang Kun, beaming with health, was being interviewed, a chorus of exclamations suddenly erupted at the hotel entrance. Chen Jiajun had appeared with Guan Jiahui.

As soon as Chen Jiajun and Guan Jiahui got out of the car, they attracted the attention of all the reporters.

The two of them standing together looked like a perfect couple, truly enviable to others.

Just as the reporters gathered around to ask questions, a group of burly young demon slaves got out of the Mercedes convoy and formed a human wall.

Chen Jiajun immediately stopped in his tracks and accepted the interview in a generous manner: "Dear reporters, please come one by one. Each person is limited to one question."

"Mr. Chen, I heard you and Ms. Guan are dating?"

Although Kwan Ka-wai is no longer in the entertainment industry, she still enjoys some popularity. After all, she is the daughter of Kwan Shan and had previously worked with Leslie Cheung and Paul Chung on television dramas.

In response to this question, Chen Jiajun gave a brief answer: "Let me clarify, we are not dating. Jia Hui and I have been living together for eighteen months."

Guan Jiahui felt a sweet warmth upon hearing her husband's answer.

The reporters were immediately in an uproar, never expecting that Guan Jiahui's two-year hiatus from acting was actually being kept as a kept woman by a powerful figure.

The tycoon's estate is in Repulse Bay, an area full of wealthy people, where ordinary reporters are questioned by the police when they enter or leave.

The prestigious school that Kwan Ka-wai attended was also located in the Hung Kong Chai district, which is also an affluent area, so it's normal that the reporter didn't know about it.

"Mr. Chen, has Ms. Brigitte Lin officially signed with your company?" the second reporter asked.

Chen Jiajun replied, "We have expressed interest in cooperation, but you should ask our staff for details."

"Mr. Chen, could you please give us a specific figure for the current box office of 'A Better Tomorrow'?" asked the third reporter.

"We'll have to wait for the company to calculate the data."

"Is 'A Better Tomorrow 2' ready to start filming?" the fourth reporter asked.

Chen Jiajun replied, "The script is ready. Filming will begin after the schedule is adjusted, and it is expected to be released next year."

"I heard that your company is planning to invest 30 million yuan in a fantasy epic and invite Brigitte Lin to play the female lead?" asked the fifth reporter.

Chen Jiajun replied, "I am not aware of the relevant filming plans. Alright everyone, that concludes today's interview."

Hongxing Film Industry is indeed going to invest in a fantasy epic, "The Legend of the Swordsmen of Shushan".

The story begins three months ago, when Xu Ke was producing "A Better Tomorrow." Xu Ke presented the script to Chen Jiajun's desk: "Mr. Chen, please take a look." The script presented by Xu Ke was completely different from the original "Shushan" in his memory.

After all, with powerful backing, Boss Jun is rich.

After Chen Jiajun finished reading the script, he gave Xu Ke a good scolding. In fact, Xu Ke's script was not as bad as Chen Jiajun said. It's just that when Xu Ke was writing the script, his mind was full of special effects and famous mountains and rivers.

In order to maximize the dramatic scenes, he neglected the pacing of the plot, which is why Chen Jiajun felt that the plot was weak and unconvincing.

In Chen Jiajun's view, in a good movie, special effects should serve the plot, rather than being added to the plot amidst the special effects spectacle.

Therefore, Chen Jiajun established the production team of Hongxing Film Industry, gathered outstanding screenwriters from all over Hong Kong, and collectively created and polished the Shushan IP. He even invited Jin Yong to serve as a consultant and director for the script.

Before filming even started, more than a million dollars had already been invested.

In Chen Jiajun's mind, Hung Hing Films' "The Legend of Shushan Swordsmen" should be made into a grand masterpiece like "The Lord of the Rings," carrying the big boss's dream of hitting the global box office.

Chen Jiajun and Guan Jiahui entered the banquet hall, where quite a few people had already arrived. Most of the people from Hongxing Film Industry were there. When everyone saw Chen Jiajun, they all stood up in unison:

"Chen Sheng."

"Mr. Chen's wealth is rolling in."

"Mr. Chen."

After entering the banquet hall of the "A Better Tomorrow" celebration party, Chen Jiajun shook hands with almost everyone he went. If you were to ask who deserves the most credit for this movie, Chen Jiajun would be the first to answer.

The script, director, lead actors, framework, background music, and publicity were all handled or decided by Chen Jiajun.

The second-highest credit goes to director John Woo and producer Tsui Hark.

Following behind the big boss, Liang Kun felt a sense of shared honor and disgrace, a feeling he could never obtain by selling his fanbase.

If it weren't for the bigwigs advising him not to sell, he might have already been bailed out of Stanley Prison by the police.

"Zhao Yazhi?"

When Chen Jiajun saw the stunningly beautiful, elegant, and glamorous female star next to Chow Yun-fat, he thought he was seeing things.

Chow Yun-fat introduced, "Boss, Zhizhi is here tonight because she wants to see your charm."

Zhao Yazhi bowed slightly and grasped Boss Jun's hand, saying, "Mr. Chen, hello."

She saw that Chow Yun-fat was a huge success in movies, so she also wanted to develop her career in the film industry. Why?
The reason is simple: Chow Yun-fat's net worth has recently skyrocketed. Although he only received 20 HKD for filming "A Better Tomorrow," the big boss Jun secretly gave Chow Yun-fat a red envelope containing 200 million HKD.

Not to mention the various impacts brought about by filming "A Better Tomorrow".

Furthermore, there is a hierarchy of contempt in the entertainment industry, regardless of the market around the world: movie stars are considered superior to television stars.

"Don't be shy, have a good time tonight."

Chen Jiajun nodded and took the seat of honor.

Liang Kun looked at Chen Jiajun and said, "Ah Da, you have to drink tonight."

"Row."

Chen Jiajun stood up generously, raised his glass with great enthusiasm, and said, "Thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules to attend the celebration banquet today. Please drink within your limits and don't drink too much."

"it is good."

"cheers."

Everyone cheered and, following the rhythm of Boss Jun, raised their glasses every five seconds and downed three glasses of wine in a row.

The moment of toasting is when the participants are most enthusiastic at a banquet.

In such a situation, everyone will unconsciously turn their attention to the most eye-catching protagonist.

Under the spotlight of his charisma, the women in the banquet hall couldn't help but become interested in Chen Jiajun.

To say you admire someone is a complete insult.

After all, there aren't many women who fall in love at first sight or are fickle.

But curiosity and admiration are unavoidable.

Men, on the other hand, are not as sensitive and perceptive. Their focus is completely different. They all think that the big boss is rich, righteous, speaks well, and, most importantly, is talented.

After several rounds of drinks and dishes, Wu Yusen sat down next to Chen Jiajun and said, "Boss, I'm leaving for Taiwan tomorrow for promotional work. Let me toast you to thank you for your support."

"Have the itinerary and accompanying personnel been arranged?"

Chen Jiajun and Wu Yusen clinked glasses and Chen asked with concern.

Wu Yusen nodded: "Chow Yun-fat, Leslie Cheung, Dillon, and Zhu Baoyi, the four of them will come with me."

"Once the promotional activities in Japan and South Korea are finished, we'll come back as soon as possible to film the second part," Chen Jiajun nodded and said.

"Yes." Wu Yusen finished his drink.

Just after clinking glasses with Wu Yusen, Xu Ke brought Lin Qingxia over. Lin Qingxia raised her glass and said, "Mr. Chen, thank you for your appreciation."

The female lead for "The Legend of Shushan Swordsman" was handpicked by Chen Jiajun, and Brigitte Lin had actually joined Hung Hing Film Company.

As for why?
The reason is simple: this is a transformative work for Brigitte Lin, and she has also heard about Boss Jun's grand plan. Boss Jun plans to shoot three movies in the first phase of the Shushan series, with each movie costing no less than 30 million.

In other words, Brigitte Lin will have plenty of acting opportunities for the next three years.

"Qingxia, if you encounter any difficulties in Hong Kong, you can talk to the company anytime, or even talk to me. This is my business card."

Chen Jiajun clinked glasses with her and handed her his personal business card.

"Thank you, Mr. Chen." Lin Qingxia put away the business card and finished her drink.

Just after Brigitte Lin left, Chu Po-Yi, the female lead of "A Better Tomorrow," came over: "Mr. Chen."

In this film, Zhu Baoyi is the easiest to overlook, after all, it is a male-dominated film, but Zhu Baoyi did not disappoint the big boss Jun's expectations, and his performance in the film was remarkable.

Zhu Baoyi, who thought that the end of the movie would mean unemployment, received a long-term contract from Hongxing Film Industry and an invitation from the production team of "The Legend of Shushan Swordsmen". She played the role of Ruolan in the film. She even vaguely heard that there would be a solo movie about Ruolan in "The Legend of Shushan Swordsmen".

"Are you getting used to life in Hong Kong?" Chen Jiajun asked Zhu Baoyi with a smile.

"Thanks to Mr. Chen, everything is going well." Looking at the incredibly handsome Chen Jiajun, Zhu Baoyi blushed: "I'm just afraid of letting Mr. Chen down. The production of the movie 'Shushan' is too grand, and I'm afraid of dragging it down."

"It's alright, I'll come over tonight and give you some pointers on the play."

"Big Brother Jun said with a smile, his expression sincere."

His initial motivation for starting the film company was to have sex with female celebrities. Now that the film company has been established for over a year, it's time for him to relax.

Upon hearing that Chen Jiajun was going to give her acting advice, Zhu Baoyi immediately understood what Chen Jiajun was planning to do.

(End of this chapter)