Fooling Huayu for Thirty Years

Chapter 315 Taking down Golden Harvest! Taking down Infernal Affairs! Taking down Jiang Zuping! (7000 words)
The Spring Festival is over, and it feels like 2002 has only just officially begun.

After watching the Spring Festival Gala, Ma Xun spent a few more days cuddling with Dong Qing.

Naturally, they also talked a lot of intimate things, including about Zou Tao.

Then they set off for Hong Kong.

Clearly, he wasn't in Hong Kong for leisure; he must have had a specific purpose.

"Brother Ma, this time when we come to Hong Kong, we..."

"Relax, the main focus is on relaxation."

"Really?"

"Of course."

Bai Xiaohang also came along, this time serving as Ma Xun's bodyguard.

It must be said that with him by his side, Ma Xun felt much more at ease.

However, there's no need to be too nervous this time.

I'm in Hong Kong this time for business.

Previously, Mrs. Zhong had already given Ma Xun a strong signal.

Golden Harvest is finally going to be sold!

This flagship of Hong Kong cinema has truly reached its breaking point this year.

The company from Taiwan was mainly interested in playing with copyrights, probably trying to combine movies and games to create something new.

However, it must be said that at this point in time, these high-tech companies are indeed quite wealthy, and they do like to develop new gadgets.

However, they often fail.

Okay, innovation should be encouraged. In fact, innovation and entrepreneurship are quite similar. If you start ten companies and one or two of them survive, that's already pretty good.

This is true for most of the world.

So, after receiving the investment, Golden Harvest was able to catch its breath for a while, but it was only a little over 100 million.

Now, that money has all been burned.

Jiahe had no choice but to sell herself to survive.

Actually, if we didn't have this funding, we should have sold it last year.

Having held on for a year, they're probably just taking another gamble on this year's Lunar New Year film season.

Hong Kong's Lunar New Year film season begins during the Spring Festival, and looking at it now...

Extremely poor.

There are basically no big names in this year's Lunar New Year film season.

It seems like neither Chow Yun-fat nor Stephen Chow are present.

Chow Yun-fat went to Hollywood.

Stephen Chow is preparing for "Kung Fu Hustle".

Big Brother Long and Jiahe have completely broken up.

Jet Li was also filming "Hero".

Looking at it this way... wow, quite a few erotic films have appeared in Hong Kong's Lunar New Year film season this year.

Of course, Ma Xun only discovered this after arriving in Hong Kong.

Even those who don't understand movies can tell that if there are too many films like this, it means the market is not doing well.

Colored small pieces are known for their low cost and high returns.

Moreover, although many triads in Hong Kong are no longer as arrogant as before, they are still quite adept at forcing women to make these kinds of movies.

I won't go into details about these things.

Ma Xun wouldn't even bother with such small, colorful patches.

After all, he's eating too well now, having delicacies every day.

With the market in this state, Jiahe naturally failed completely.

Let's pack up and sell it.

From the perspective of the owner of Golden Harvest... just as Mrs. Chung said... it's already a complete despair.

This presents a perfect opportunity for Ma Xun to acquire it!
But is this really a golden opportunity?
"Brother Ma, is Golden Harvest really finished? But what about the buyers..."

"Of course, it won't be just us."

"Who else could it be?"

"How could it be less?"

Yes, there will definitely be other competitors.

"A lot?" Bai Xiaohang frowned. "No, everyone says Jiahe is beyond saving, and that it's insolvent and worthless, so how come there are still so many buyers?"

Clearly, Bai Xiaohang asked this question in order to learn something.

In fact, we can see all sorts of acquisitions and mergers in many Hong Kong dramas, as if they are very profitable businesses.

But every time it appears, it seems very complicated, and the way these kinds of scenes are performed is very sophisticated.

Actually, it's not that complicated.

Simply put, some large companies are indeed failing, but the failure of large companies does not mean that all of them are failing; some departments or industries are still quite capable.

So, after acquiring them, we sell off the unprofitable parts or simply lay them off, while keeping the valuable ones.

As for why large companies couldn't do this before...

The truth is, the banks have lost confidence in them.

If you view the company acquisition as a debt restructuring of the company, then it becomes instantly clear.

The new owner who buys the company will give the bank confidence to give him more time to repay his debts, various tools, and even the ability to borrow more money.

As for the new boss, even if we don't say he's incredibly capable, at least we can imagine what he's capable of.

When Ma Xun explained this simple principle to Bai Xiaohang, Bai Xiaohang immediately gave him an expression of admiration.

Brother Ma is still awesome!
Actually, Ma Xun wasn't very good at this either; he learned it through case studies and books.

There are definitely more methods and brand-new ways to play.

However, the reason why Golden Harvest sold itself this time is precisely this.

The bank will no longer grant the Zou family any credit.

This once-famous Hong Kong storefront now has only two valuable things.

Previously, there were issues with film copyrights and theatrical distribution.

Bai Xiaohang then asked, "Who are the specific opponents?"

Ma Xun laughed, "You still remember that anti-Jiahe alliance from before, right?"

"Of course I remember, Fatty Wang, TVB, Lung Wu, Wong Pak-ming, Tsui Ke, and that Lam Kin-yue, and... could it be..."

"That's right, they all have this idea of ​​acquisition."

This is the business world. The anti-Jiahe alliance was supposedly formed by Fatty Wang, but looking at these people, they all received favors from Jiahe back then.

The reason why they responded to Wang Pangzi's call was very simple: they had long planned to cripple Jiahe and then acquire it.

If Golden Harvest had acquired that land in Tseung Kwan O, this whole thing probably wouldn't have happened now.

As for the favors they received back then, these guys would definitely say: times have changed.

Also, Mr. Raymond Chow has passed away, so there's not much of a connection left.

In that case, these guys really do have no conscience.

After Ma Xun saw all this... in the end, it was simply that Jiahe was weak.

I must become strong!
If you become weak, people will really bully you.

Ma Xun then said to Bai Xiaohang, "Among these people, our biggest opponent should be this guy Lin Jianyue."

"Huh? Then... how do we deal with him?"

Bai Xiaohang looked ready to fight, but Ma Xun smiled and waved at him.

"Don't rush, this is business competition, we should be civilized and polite."

His words made Bai Xiaohang laugh and scratch his head.

Ma Xun also smiled.

Actually, he had said everything he needed to say, but there were some things he really couldn't say.

Looking out the hotel window, Hong Kong is a bustling and vibrant city.

However, according to the original timeline, that major event will happen this year.

Sa……rs.

Therefore, Golden Harvest's most valuable cinema chains will be greatly affected.

I am now acquiring Golden Harvest...

But at that moment, Ma Xun's phone rang.

"Mr. Ma, hello, I am Lin Jianyue."

"Oh, Mr. Lin, hello."

Mr. Lin? ... Bai Xiaohang immediately thought of Lin Jianyue!
It's truly a case of "speak of the devil and he appears."

So what exactly happened?

Ma Xun said, "Okay, we'll definitely be there."

This is……

After hanging up the phone, Ma Xun smiled and said to Bai Xiaohang, "Someone's treating."

dinner?

Bai Xiaohang couldn't help but exclaim, "A trap?"

Ma Xun still smiled and said, "Even if it's a trap, we still have to go."

……

Hong Kong has never lacked places with dazzling lights and bustling nightlife.

Ma Xun and Bai Xiaohang arrived at a well-known nightclub near Lan Kwai Fong, where a waiter came to show them the way.

Before long, they entered the most luxurious private room.

"Oh, Mr. Ma, Mr. Bai, it's been a long time!"

"Haha... Mr. Lin, how have you been?"

"Hello, Mr. Lin."

Lin Jianyue was clearly very well prepared today.

As soon as Ma Xun and Bai Xiaohang came in, he gave the madam a wink.

Without a doubt, a group of young women arrived soon.

Seeing this, Ma Xun shook his head. "Mr. Lin, we're old acquaintances. There's no need for this. Let's just talk business."

Let's get straight to the point!
Upon hearing this, Lin Jianyue looked slightly embarrassed and said, "There are other guests today."

Others... Ma Xun's mind immediately conjured up several names.

Bai Xiaohang must feel the same way.

Sure enough, before long, several more bosses joined the private room.

"Brother Ma..."

"Oh, Fifth Brother..."

"Mr. Ma..."

"Mr. Huang..."

"Mr. Ma..."

"Mr. Zhu..."

Basically, everyone who could come from the previous anti-Jiahe alliance came, and also the boss of Xiantao, the eldest brother of the Zhu family.

It seems that this eldest brother of the Zhu family was previously a fence-sitter.

Regardless, with the current lineup, they definitely need to discuss business.

Ma Xun smiled and said, "So, we need to talk about acquiring Jiahe first?"

The style hasn't changed; it's still straightforward.

Interestingly, Lin Jianyue laughed and said, "Brother Ma, why are you in such a hurry? The girls here today are really hot."

Lin Jianyue is now as fat as a ball of meat, but his lecherousness hasn't diminished at all.

Ma Xun wasn't actually in a hurry; he was putting pressure on the other party.

The bosses here today are all old acquaintances of his, but they are also his opponents in this acquisition.

He cannot appear weak; he must be extremely assertive.

Moreover, Ma Xun also has something to rely on: his previous friendship with Wang Yu and watching the Spring Festival Gala, which should have already taken hold.

The fact that Lin Jianyue treated the two of us like this is proof enough.

Long Wu looked quite well today, and he smiled very warmly.

“Brother Ma, it’s been a while since we last met. It’s too serious to start talking about business right away. Let’s talk about something else first.”

As soon as he said that, Lin Jianyue immediately chimed in, "That's right, and besides, the girl today was really hot."

After saying that, he gave the madam a meaningful look.

The madam was delighted and immediately went out to call the girls in.

But Mr. Zhu, the boss of Xiantao, said, "Mr. Ma, there is another friend here."

besides?

Who could it be?
As Ma Xun was pondering this, the madam brought in the girls. This girl today…

It really is very nice.

Ma Xun was slightly surprised, not because the girl was particularly pretty, but because he saw someone.

Jiang Zuping.

I even used Cai Yinong's connections to get her a role in "The Condor Heroes," but I never expected she'd be doing side businesses too...

Wait a minute, I understand.

Ma Xun knew who provided this girl today; it must be that Sister Amy.

This woman is quite formidable. She controls many Taiwanese actresses and promising young stars, and she is also particularly skilled at training them, having sent many beauties to various powerful figures.

In particular, later on, Aaron Kwok's wife and so-and-so's wife were all under Amy's management.

When Jiang Zuping saw these bosses, especially Ma Xun, she was secretly surprised.

Given their current situation...

"Oh, haha... You two know each other? That's great!" Lin Jianyue was very straightforward and immediately arranged for Jiang Zuping to sit next to Ma Xun.

It must be said that Jiang Zuping has a very pure and innocent face.

Moreover, her skin is incredibly beautiful—smooth, firm, and elastic, as if she has an endless supply of collagen.

Ma Xun couldn't refuse at this moment. Not to mention these bosses, even Bai Xiaohang had an ambiguous expression on his face.

You've always been quite the ladies' man.

There's no other way but to leave it at that for now.

Jiang Zuping was very nervous, but she followed the example of others and poured wine for Ma Xun.

"that……"

Ma Xun didn't say much and prepared to accept the call.

But then, someone pulled another stunt.

"Brother Ma, this young girl seems delicate and lovely to me. She might even still have her first kiss. Why don't you give her to me today?"

As soon as Lin Jianyue started, there were some people making a fuss.

“That’s right! This is a blessing for you, young lady!” Boss Zhu said.

Long Wu was even more blunt, "Don't you know the rules? Use your mouth!"

Can play.

Jiang Zuping looked at Ma Xun with her big eyes. Ma Xun didn't say anything and simply leaned back on the sofa.

Jiang Zuping pursed her lips and then poured the glass of wine into her mouth.

Then, he leaned over.

She was still somewhat timid, Ma Xun could sense it.

So he kissed her first, and then the woman's lips parted.

Although the wine had only been in Jiang Zuping's mouth for a short time, it had already become warm.

Even with his big mouth, Ma Xun couldn't possibly drink all of it if he drank like that.

Most of the liquor rolled down Ma Xun's throat, giving rise to a tingling sensation.

Some of it flowed down his neck and into his clothes, but he didn't seem to feel anything at all.

There's no way around it, Jiang Zuping's lips are indeed alluring.

Actually, she's already 24 this year, right? Ma Xun has her detailed information.

She wasn't a young girl at all, and it certainly wasn't her first kiss.

But at this moment, it exudes a youthful charm.

Delicate and soft, it even had a sweet taste when paired with fine wine. Ma Xun admitted that he was indeed enjoying it very much.

cough cough...

After Jiang Zuping offered the toast, she coughed a few times, clearly indicating that she was not familiar with this task.

Ma Xun also coughed, perhaps due to the irritation of the alcohol, or perhaps to ease the awkwardness.

At this point, several bosses joined in the commotion.

"Haha! Just as I thought! A beauty should be paired with a hero!"

"That's right! A handsome man like Mr. Ma should be like that!"

"This girl is so lucky!"

These guys are really something.

However, Ma Xun understood this in his heart.

The TV series "Wind and Cloud 2" is about to start filming, and Jiang Zuping was definitely arranged by them on purpose.

Ma Xun wasn't interested in this film. The copyright was still with Golden Harvest, and Ma Xun knew that the quality of this film was extremely poor... It was obviously made with cheap, low-quality special effects and a mess.

The second installment successfully capitalized on the immense popularity of the previous film and the first TV series.

Let's get back to the present and talk about Golden Harvest's acquisition...

Just as Ma Xun was about to say something, another person entered the private room.

"Brother Ma! Big Brother!"

Sun Donghai!
Not to mention Ma Xun, even Bai Xiaohang was stunned.

How did this thing appear?

But what happened next made Ma Xun understand everything.

Sun Donghai poured himself a glass of wine and then approached Ma Xun.

"Brother! I have offended you greatly before, this cup of wine is my apology!"

A toast?

Hong Kong gangs seem to always serve tea, but now offering wine is also acceptable... Hey! What does this have to do with Hong Kong?

This guy must owe me three kowtows because of what happened before.

And now, he must be... definitely being forced to apologize by Lin Jianyue and Long Wu.

After some thought, Ma wondered whether he should give this guy face or not.

He inexplicably thought of many things, including the previous SA-RS.

Hmm, that's fine too!

"Oh dear, Brother Sun, why are you apologizing? We're like family, I'll drink this glass of wine."

After Ma Xun finished speaking, he took the glass and downed it in one gulp!
"it is good!"

"Good Serai!"

"Mr. Ma, you're really something!"

These Hong Kong bosses fawned over him for a while.

Sun Donghai's expression improved considerably; those three kowtows must have passed.

Bai Xiaohang watched all of this from the sidelines, and the more he watched, the more confused he became.

Ma Xun maintained his smile, "Now, can we talk about the acquisition of Golden Harvest?"

His words caused a stir of embarrassment among Lin Jianyue and the others.

But then, Ma Xun said this.

"Everyone, don't you know me yet? This time, what I'm most interested in is copyright."

Upon hearing this, the bosses were all delighted.

"I've heard for a long time that Mr. Ma makes a lot of money from copyright deals."

"Brother Ma, don't worry about that! Copyright issues are easy to handle."

"Brother Ma, take as many of Golden Harvest's old movies as you can."

Ma Xun simply went along with these words.

But Bai Xiaohang was even more confused.

Didn't we agree that the main target this time would be cinemas?
Yes, I didn't mishear.

Could it be that Brother Ma has been confused by that girl and Sun Donghai's apology?

Bai Xiaohang didn't believe it would happen, but there was nothing he could do at the moment.

……

Leaving the nightclub.

Jiang Zuping has joined Ma Xun and Bai Xiaohang's lives.

It's only right to bring them out.

Those bosses were also very happy.

Everyone agreed to play again in the future.

And then they returned to the hotel.

Ma Xun immediately gave Jiang Zuping a thousand-yuan ox.

Let's take a taxi.

Jiang Zuping stood there stunned, while Ma Xun and Bai Xiaohang entered the elevator.

The girl clearly couldn't understand why Ma Xun wouldn't let her spend the night with him.

but……

What are those two men thinking?!

In the elevator.

Bai Xiaohang couldn't hold back any longer.

"What happened?"

Ma Xun knew he would ask, and laughed, "These guys changed their attitude towards me because I watched the Spring Festival Gala live and had other things to do."

"This……"

"They forced Sun Donghai to apologize to me and even arranged a pretty girl for me; they were all trying to show their sincerity."

The meaning is simple: they want me to avoid competing with them in this acquisition.

Bai Xiaohang finally understood. "Then let's not argue?"

"How can it be!"

Ma Xun was completely unaffected by their tactics!
Bai Xiaohang finally breathed a sigh of relief, "I knew it. But that girl was really nice."

Indeed, Jiang Zuping looks about the same age as an eighteen or nineteen-year-old girl.

Even in her thirties, she remained as youthful as a young girl.

That's really impressive.

But Ma Xun was a seasoned player who had been with too many women, and he wouldn't let Jiang Zuping cloud his judgment.

But what should we do next?

"Don't rush, let's find a breakthrough point."

Ma Xun didn't say what the breakthrough point was, and Bai Xiaohang understood that he shouldn't ask.

Afterwards, the two returned to their respective rooms.

After Ma Xun returned, he immediately took a shower.

Wearing a bathrobe, I came to the floor-to-ceiling window.

He didn't return to his mansion because of Bai Xiaohang.

Although Bai Xiaohang was willing to be Ma Xun's bodyguard, if he went back to the mansion, would Bai Xiaohang also have to live in the mansion?
Wouldn't it be very awkward if a beautiful woman came looking for him?

Moreover, this business negotiation probably won't take long.

So, I'll just stay in a hotel for now and make do.

Right now, Ma Xun is thinking about how to deal with the situation.

It's certain that the other party is afraid of me.

They knew I had become acquainted with Wang Yu and then appeared at the Spring Festival Gala.

These guys know they can't deal with me head-on, so they have to resort to this kind of tactic.

Sugar-coated bullets!

Just then, there was a knock on Ma Xun's door.

"Who?"

It's a hotel, after all; it was just a casual question, so it should be safe.

But after the door opened...

“Mr. Ma.” Jiang Zuping rushed over immediately.

"You, what's wrong with you?"

Ma Xun found it a bit strange, but Jiang Zuping didn't say much and simply started kissing him.

"Can't you just go back like this?"

Ma Xun is already quite impressive that he can still think.

Jiang Zuping stared at him with her big eyes, which was truly captivating.

Dry!
Pressed down on the bed.

Carrying a pair of long legs.

……

The night is deep.

But tonight, I can't sleep.

"Am I really that cheap?" Jiang Zuping asked softly, nestled against Ma Xun's chest.

"No, I don't think so." What other answer could Ma Xun give?

"Actually, I'm just a jerk." Jiang Zuping said, sounding a little down.

Ma Xun lifted her chin, "Don't underestimate yourself like that."

Jiang Zuping met his gaze and said what was on her mind, "I think you're a good person."

Huh? This... is this a friend-zone rejection?

But then she said, "That's why I'm with you..."

She blushed as she spoke.

Ma Xun laughed after hearing this, "You can come with me, but in the future, things like this..."

“I understand!” Jiang Zuping gritted her teeth and made her decision.

But Ma Xun continued, "You should know that you have to come to the mainland."

"Ok!"

Clearly, Jiang Zuping had made this decision beforehand.

Ma Xun suddenly remembered something. "Could you tell me some details?"

This seems a bit excessive, but at this moment, Jiang Zuping had no choice.

"It's all for filming, 'Storm Riders 2'. Also, I auditioned for 'The Departed' before."

Huh? Wait a minute...

This is just like "Infernal Affairs"!

It can be said that this movie brought a certain turning point to Hong Kong cinema.

But now it's called "The Infernal Affairs", and Ma Xun knows that this film was invested in by Lin Jianyue.

Jiang Zuping could tell that Ma Xun seemed very interested in the movie, so she continued, "I didn't succeed, but I heard that the filming of this movie went very poorly."

"Not going well? How badly?"

"In short, nothing's going right..."

Jiang Zuping recounted some details, and after listening, Ma Xun suddenly had an inspiration.

"Not bad, you've actually helped me."

With a sharp crack, Jiang Zuping blushed deeply, and the sensation on her buttocks made her stand up again.

In reality, she had no idea how she had helped Ma Xun.

Then, put more pressure on your waist.

……

Simply acquiring the rights to Golden Harvest's old films is definitely not what Ma Xun wants.

Three days later, he took the initiative to meet with Lin Jianyue.

This time, it was on a yacht.

Ma Xun bought it before.

"Mr. Lin, I heard you're working on a play?"

"This... Brother Ma, you're very well-informed."

“Haha…” Ma Xun laughed, then got straight to the point, “You should understand that I actually still want Golden Harvest’s cinemas.”

Upon hearing this, Lin Jianyue's expression turned grim.

He thought to himself: What's wrong with Ma Xun? Is he going back on his word?
But Ma Xun laughed and said, "I understand what you mean. You definitely want the theatrical releases more. How about this, let's make a trade."

"How do we exchange them?" Lin Jianyue asked, very curious.

Ma Xun then said seriously, "It seems like you're not doing well filming that movie."

Lin Jianyue could only nod, "That's true."

This matter has actually spread throughout Hong Kong's entertainment circles.

"The Departed" is full of strange and bizarre events.

Ma Xun said, "What if I can help you?"

"Really?" Lin Jianyue perked up.

Ma Xun set the terms: "You can take Golden Harvest's cinema chains, but I want at least 10%."

"why?"

"I want this theater chain, and this 10% means that if you ever decide to quit, then this theater chain is yours."

This statement is perfectly correct!
After listening, Lin Jianyue thought for a moment and nodded, "That's definitely fine."

That's right, Ma Xun only wants 10%.

But then...

"About that movie..."

“I’m also interested in this movie.”

"But things haven't been going well lately."

"It's okay, with me involved, things will go smoothly."

"Mr. Ma, what are you trying to do..."

"Of course I only want the copyrights outside of Hong Kong."

"Oh, I see. Haha, I heard a long time ago that Mr. Ma has connections in Hollywood."

"Mr. Lin, please name your price."

"That's easy, how about HK$500 million?"

"What if I could help you solve the problem of this movie not going well?"

"This... really? That 300 million!"

At this point, Ma Xun laughed again, "I'm asking the White Dragon King."

Lin Jianyue immediately understood from that one sentence.

Oh dear, why didn't I think of that before!
Regardless, having already agreed to the 10% of theaters involved, Lin Jianyue thought about it again and... he smiled too.

"Okay! You're a good friend!"

Lin Jianyue's words were simple, but they were full of meaning.

In other words, the main reason the two parties reached this deal was because of their friendship.

Ma Xun just smiled.

Afterwards, Lin Jianyue disembarked, and Ma Xun set sail.

At that moment, a beautiful woman in a swimsuit walked out of the cabin.

"Brother Ma~ that fat guy seems a bit slow."

"Haha... He's not stupid, there are just some things he can't foresee."

Ma Xun enjoyed Jiang Zuping's delicate skin as he steered the boat.

What Lin Jianyue couldn't calculate was, of course, sa-rs.

Those guys definitely won't be able to hold out.

So now I can say that I, Ma Xun, have taken over Jiahe!
(End of this chapter)