1982 Started from Hong Kong

Chapter 203 Ye Zhiming Gets Fierce

The popularity of the news about Zhou Runfa's divorce overshadowed the news about Ye Zhiming's cooperation with 1024 to open a gambling ship on the high seas.

Zhai Yuan thought this was the best approach.

In Hong Kong, a city where money is everything, everyone would feel good about making money no matter what they do. However, making money as a teenager is not a glorious thing after all, so they had to ask Ye Zhiming to be the official boss of the gambling boat.

Fans of the 1024 Theater were paying close attention to this matter, and the audience queuing at the theater entrance were talking about it.

"Shooting a movie like God of Gamblers can make the owner of BangBang Jeans come to visit. Mr. Zhai is the real bridge king."

"Not only that, I heard that there have been several counterfeit money cases in South Korea recently. The criminals must have watched Mr. Zhai's "A Better Tomorrow"."

"Pick! Is it glorious to make money in an illegal way? Look at those prostitutes soliciting customers on the street. Nine out of ten of them have fathers who are addicted to gambling and get into trouble with them."

"Your mother! You believe whatever the prostitute says. Are you a low-intelligence animal worthy of entering the 1024 Theater?"

"That's right! Besides, what does it have to do with Mr. Zhai? The news said that he was only responsible for making the movie. The gambling boat business was started by Ye Zhiming, but Mr. Ye respected the copyright and only gave him a share of the gambling boat profits!"

"My dear friend, since you have a prejudice against Mr. Zhai, please stick to it to the end. It's best not to even watch this "God of Gamblers". So can you please resell the ticket to me? I've been queuing for half an hour and still can't buy a ticket..."

At present, it seems that President Zhai’s image as a pure and innocent person is still very stable, and any occasional doubts are immediately bombarded and defended by fans.

What is the first generation fan circle king?

Teacher Liu leans back.jpg
Zhai Yuan originally thought that using the news of Zhou Runfa's divorce to reduce the heat was the last interaction between him and this "hiking emperor".

But I didn't expect that their bond had not yet ended.

"Ayuan, this is Mr. Chen Chaowu, the president of the Oriental Casino in Atlantic City, USA, and the assistant to the president of Bally's Casino Hotel."

In the private room of the Regent Hotel, Ye Zhiming introduced a young couple next to him to Zhai Yuan with a smile: "Ms. Chen Yulian, I don't think I need to introduce Miss Chen too much, right? How can you not know Xiao Long Nu if you are interested in movies?
Ye Zhiming smiled and introduced the newlyweds Chen Chaowu and Chen Yulian, then leaned over to Zhai Yuan's ear and whispered, "This Chen has a lot of connections in Chinatown."

Zhai Yuan nodded in understanding.

How could a Chinese person who is so successful in an American casino not have any background?

Besides, he had read a lot of gossip tabloids in his later life and had heard a little about President Chen.

Chen Chaowu was originally the leader of a Chinese community in Chinatown in New York City, USA. Initially, he only did usury business in Chinatown. Because his style of doing things was ruthless enough, and he would often throw AK pineapples around when competing for business with his competitors, he gradually became famous and was even spotted by the president of the Bally Casino, who took him in as his godson and made him the so-called personal assistant, but in fact he was a bodyguard.

Being with President Bali, Chen Chaowu learned a lot of casino management skills. In the following years, because of his hard work, the Godfather recommended him to a higher-level boss. Only then did he completely get rid of his identity as a bodyguard and was arranged to serve as the president of the Oriental Casino in Atlantic City.

Later, Chen Chaowu adapted his own experience into a script and asked former Detective Division Superintendent Chen Xinjian to make a movie for him called "Tang Stories".

Zhai Yuan was deeply impressed by this movie, not because it was good, but because the whole movie was a clichéd story of fighting in the underworld, with the only difference being that the location was changed to America.

It’s because in this drama, the South Korean actress Hyun Hye-hye took off her clothes, and she looked so white…

"I've heard a lot about Mr. Zhai. You can just call me Peter."

Just as Zhai Yuan's thoughts were in a mess, Chen Chaowu's voice rang in his ears.

He was about 1.75 meters tall and slightly overweight. He wore a casual black shirt and jeans. The shirt was tucked into his pants, revealing a brown leather belt wrapped around his waist.

Her hair was very dense, covering her ears completely. She had her hair parted in the middle, which made her cheeks look rounder.

Seeing Chen Chaowu, who looked a bit like a pig, extending his hand to him, Zhai Yuan smiled, shook hands with him and exchanged a few simple words.

Chen Yulian on the other side also took two steps forward and greeted Zhai Yuan with a faint smile.

"Mr. Zhai, the colleagues in TVB are jealous of Wanzi and Aying. When will you be free to come and make some arrangements?"

Wan Ziliang and Anita Mui joined 91 Entertainment. Before God of Gamblers was even released, their net worth had skyrocketed more than tenfold, especially Wan Ziliang. His popularity now completely overshadowed the five tigers of TVB combined. Outside companies said that as long as he was willing to wear Mark's windbreaker and take a role, they would offer him a sky-high salary of 800,000 yuan.

Zhai Yuan smiled and said, "Sister Lian, if you are willing to come to Jiuyi, I will open a play for you."

Chen Yulian covered her mouth and chuckled: "Then I will go back and discuss it with Miss Fang. I'm afraid she won't let him go."

The 24-year-old Chen Yulian is currently the most popular jade girl in ancient costume. She has a sweet appearance and a pair of lively and pure baby eyes.

After she broke up with Chow Yun-fat last year, she married Peter Chan in a flash. At that time, it was rumored that Peter Chan had used some tricks to have the chance to win her heart.

Unfortunately, Zhai Yuan felt that now was not the time to gossip, and it was inappropriate to ask about someone's past love history in front of a newlywed couple.

What's more, Ye Zhiming invited Chen Chaowu over today because he had serious matters to discuss.

"I've only seen offshore casinos in Monaco before, but the idea of operating a casino ship on the high seas is something I've never heard of before. It's quite creative."

After the dishes were served, Chen Chaowu got to the point. He took Chen Yulian's hand and said with a smile, "If it weren't for A-Lian and Brother Zhiming telling me about Mr. Zhai's story, I would never believe that this could be planned by a young man under 20 years old."

"Mr. Chen, you are too kind." Zhai Yuan smiled and said directly, "It's a pity that the idea and reality are so different, otherwise I wouldn't have specially invited you here today."

Zhai Yuan did not hide from Ye Zhiming that Xin Ji had tricked him on the gambling boat.

He sighed and hinted at something in front of his fangirl Ye Yuqing, and Ye Zhiming came to inquire in person the next day. When he learned that Xinji was actually going to kick him out, Qiao Wang was so angry that he almost flipped the table on the spot.

Ye Zhiming started selling wigs to America in the 1960s and started doing oil business in the 1970s, so naturally he needed connections.

The new reporter used some tricks to force him out, but Ye Zhiming was no pushover. After making a few phone calls, he found Chen Chaowu, who had just returned to Hong Kong after his honeymoon with Chen Yulian.

"Xinji's shop is really not doing well. A-Lian, let's talk about some men's things. You go to the mall outside and pick out some nice clothes."

Chen Chaowu said to Chen Yulian with a smile, and the latter understood and stood up. After saying hello to Zhai Yuan and Ye Zhiming, she left the box first.

As soon as Chen Yulian left, the smile on Ye Zhiming's face disappeared.

"It's not just disgraceful, they're treating me like a dead person!" His face turned gloomy, and he yelled, "F**k off! When I was in my twenties and working as a plumber, all these idiot gangs in Hong Kong came to me and begged me to give them jobs. Now it's only been two years, do you think I'm out of business?"

Chen Chaowu smiled and comforted Ye Zhiming, saying, "Brother Zhiming, when you were involved in oil exploration, many Chinese workers benefited from it. Now when people mention your name in Chinatown, your elders still praise you for your loyalty. Since you asked me to help you with this matter, I will definitely help you if I can. Otherwise, I am afraid that I will be stabbed in the back when I go back."

Ye Zhiming's expression eased a little: "Awu, don't worry, I won't make it difficult for you. We are just doing business."

After saying that, he glanced at Zhai Yuan, indicating that it was his turn to speak.

Zhai Yuan smiled and said to Chen Chaowu, "We cooperate with Xin Ji because we value the dealers they have. The gambling industry in Southeast Asia is now almost monopolized by Ma Jiao. Skilled dealers will not easily leave. What's more, I have some minor conflicts with Ma Jiao, so this is the thorny issue facing us." When Chen Chaowu heard that he had a conflict with Ma Jiao, he asked a few questions out of curiosity. He learned that it was because a casino owner named Deng Guangrong had offended He Hongsheng's head horse. He couldn't help laughing.

"It seems that Mr. Zhai is not a quiet person either."

Chen Chaowu joked, then fell into a brief thought, leaning back in his chair and smoothing his hair back.

Only then did Zhai Yuan realize that there was a piece missing from his left ear, as if it had been shattered by a bullet. He thought to himself that no wonder he had to grow his hair half-long to cover it.

"The dealer is indeed important. Running a gambling ship is like holding a casino license in your hand, which has taken away everyone's jobs. After the opening, it is inevitable that there will be cheaters on board. Fortunately, our casino is opened in the United States and there is no interest involved. Otherwise, they will not be able to resist and come to kill you."

Chen Chaowu let out a long breath, an embarrassment appeared on his face, and he seemed to be hesitant to speak.

Ye Zhiming frowned and asked, "Is it difficult?"

Chen Chaowu said helplessly: "If I lend you the dealers, the casino business in America will be affected, and it will be difficult to explain to the big boss."

Ye Zhiming looked at Zhai Yuan again.

Zhai Yuan asked: "How long does it take to train a dealer of a high enough standard?"

Chen Chaowu explained: "If you just want to get familiar with the rules of the gambling table, you can get it done in three to five days, but the guests in the casino are mixed. In the past, dealers had to learn the tricks for at least a year or two before they could really go on stage. Fortunately, there are closed-circuit televisions now, just like the ones in your "God of Gamblers", which can capture all the tricks of the cheaters. With the monitoring room and the gambling table working together, the training for new dealers should be about three months."

Ye Zhiming looked a little worried: "Three months? I'm afraid that by then, there will be gambling ships everywhere on the high seas."

All businesses compete for the word "first". Customers come in first and have a first-hand advantage. As long as the gambling boat does not act strangely, it can retain a group of customers.

"What if I only borrow it once?"

Zhai Yuan asked Chen Chaowu again: "Mr. Chen, please help me find a group of dealers. I only need them to come to the gambling boat to help me once. This should not affect the normal operation of your business in America."

Chen Chaowu asked in surprise: "Once?"

Ye Zhiming also looked at Zhai Yuan with a puzzled look on his face. Was he planning to make a quick buck and run away?

Zhai Yuan smiled and nodded: "Yes, just once is enough."

…………

At the end of August, the Dragon Star Cruises finally returned from Panama and arrived at the port of Hong Kong.

Shen Wei jumped off the boat exhausted. Zhai Yuan and Ye Zhiming, who had received the news in advance, were already waiting for him at the port.

Zhai Yuan asked: "Where is the Vietnamese boy?"

Shen Wei said, "Too many people would be too conspicuous. I'll let them stay in the cabin temporarily. Shangguan Yonggan and the other five will watch over them. We'll arrange other accommodations later."

Zhai Yuan nodded and looked at the Dragon Star cruise ship behind him, which had the Panamanian flag already hoisted on it.

He smiled and said to Shen Wei: "It seems that this trip to Panama went smoothly."

Shen Wei nodded and began to tell Zhai Yuan about his trip to Panama. The whole process was uneventful and similar to what Zhai Yuan had learned from books and newspapers. Panama was caught between the United States and the Soviet Union, and the upper echelons of the country were in a state of disarray. Everything could be paved with money.

Chen Jincheng's line in "God of Gamblers": "I have some friendship with the President of Panama", is most appropriate here. As long as the money is enough, it is no problem to become brothers.

However, Shen Wei's little thing did not alarm the Panamanian boss. He went to the local police station and found the heads of several departments of the Shipping Department. He gave the money on the same day and changed the registered address of Hailongxing to Panama the next day. He returned to Hong Kong as a foreign cruise ship.

"Xin Ji can't wait any longer. Fu Tou Jun called me again and asked when the cruise ship can set sail."

Zhai Yuan glanced at Ye Zhiming, patted him on the shoulder, and said, "Hey, what I'm telling you is very bloody and violent. Are you sure you want to board the ship in person?"

Ye Zhiming, who was in his prime, was still full of vigor and vitality. A hint of coldness flashed in his eyes and he smiled, revealing his sharp white teeth.

"They consider me their adopted brothers. Do they think it's great to have a few thugs in the society? Then let them see what methods the Chinese workers in the hometown association used when I fought with the Wig Association for machines and with the Americans for oil."

Ye Zhiming chuckled twice, revealing a fierceness that was very different from his usual calm temperament: "Want to kick me out? I'll take their skin first!"

Zhai Yuan thought to himself, you have lost all your money in the oil business, and you are still talking about it? You are so shameless.

"After we take over Xinji, we will split the gambling boat business in half."

Zhai Yuan looked at Ye Zhiming and smiled, "Don't worry, if anything happens, Aqing, I will take care of you."

"Pick!" Ye Zhiming, who was full of fighting spirit in the last second, as if he had returned to his twenties, broke down in an instant and kicked towards Zhai Yuan.

…………

9 month 5 day.

The movie "Family Portrait" which was released on New One City for 22 days has officially been taken off the screen.

The box office revenue was 1896 million. With the double cast of Xu Guanjie and Jenny Tseng, the box office not only surpassed "Happy Ghost", but also had the momentum to surpass Jiahe's "Wheels On The Fast Food Trailer".

Even though "Wheels On The Road" has not been taken off the screen yet, judging from the box office growth, it is already a spent force.

Sure enough, it was the next day, September 9th.

Jiahe's movie "Fast Food Trucks", which was released for 21 days, did not keep up with the box office revenue of theaters and was officially announced to be withdrawn from the theater.

After the box office revenue was calculated, the results made Xin Yicheng breathe a sigh of relief.

A total of 1812 million, exceeding "Happy Ghost" but only a few hundred thousand Hong Kong dollars short of "Family Portrait".

In this round of summer season battle between Jiahe and Xin Yicheng, Xin Yicheng still won a great victory, but any discerning person can see that without the IP of Best Partner, the gap between the two sides has become smaller and smaller.

The reason for this may be that Jiahe is constantly innovating, allowing Chen Shilon to switch from early Republican kung fu films to modern comedy action films.

But the more crucial point is that New One City is gradually unable to come up with new things to satisfy the audience, and the stereotyped comedies have made the audience aesthetically fatigued.

Although the battle between the two companies has ended, the summer box office champion is still to be determined.

Only 19 days after the release of "God of Gamblers", the box office has exceeded 70 million, and the current attendance rate remains at around %.

(End of this chapter)