1982 Started from Hong Kong

Chapter 466 Meeting
In 1990, Cai Songlin and Lian Zongheng recruited several Hong Kong film production companies, including Xu Jiaqiang's Yongsheng, Zhang Guozhong's Yi Neng, Zeng Zhiwei's good friend, and Sil-Metropole Organisation, to stabilize their connections in the industry. As one of the eight major film companies in Taiwan, they officially entered the Hong Kong film industry.

At that time, Cai Songlin focused on commercial films, completely abandoning the production style of Taiwan, highlighting the appeal of Hong Kong movie stars, and investing in Hong Kong films at full cost. This led to the rise of directors and actors such as Andy Lau, Stephen Chow, Peter Chan, and Wong Kar-wai. In addition to the three major local cinema chains, more than 80% of the other independent film companies in Hong Kong had Cai Songlin's investment, making him the leader among the eight major film companies.

But in 1988, although Mr. Tsai had accumulated a fortune of hundreds of millions by virtue of his status as a gang leader and entertainment tycoon, and was quite influential in Taiwan, he was still not qualified to enter Hong Kong, let alone be given the title of "Taiwanese capital" in the mainland entertainment industry in later generations.

This year, Taiwan announced the abolition of the long-standing "Regulations for the Handling of Domestic Films During Mobilization and War," which merely eliminated the influence of the Liberty Association and allowed film cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and Taiwan.

As for the confrontation with the mainland and the Iron Curtain, it remains to be seen whether the current leaders can reach a "consensus" with the mainland and ultimately form a co-production model of "investment in Taiwan, production in Hong Kong, and filming in the mainland".

When businessmen think about trends, they can never escape the changing times. A single government decree or announcement can create or destroy a group of financial tycoons like Cai Songlin in an instant.

Without Zhai Yuan's 91 Entertainment stirring up trouble, Cai Songlin could have continued to be his entertainment godfather, dominating the industry for over a decade with this co-production model, until the flop of "Future X-Cops" and the subsequent decline of mainland audiences in the co-production genre, at which point he gradually withdrew from the scene.

The problem is that now there's Zhai Yuan, who's created the 'New Freedom Association' and is meddling in things like Hong Kong.

What kind of special law?

If you set up such an organization elsewhere, the relevant government departments would definitely come to talk to you. But nowadays, the foreigners in Hong Kong don't care, and the mainland and Taiwan can't do anything about it either. The 'New Freedom Association' has become a veritable no-man's-land.

What about Taiwanese film producers, including Tsai Sung-lin?
Of course, even if you have money, you can't spend it.

If they cannot use Hong Kong as a springboard to go further, and lack the most important production link in the co-production model, these film companies can only be local tycoons in Taiwan.

"I've been developing my career in the Hong Kong film industry for so many years and spent so much money. I've always managed to outlast the competition by standing my ground against the free spirit. How could I possibly let these people from Taiwan come in and reap the benefits so easily?"

Standing by the floor-to-ceiling windows on the second floor of the Zhishan Villa, Zhai Yuan looked down at Cai Songlin, who was talking with Shi Nansheng in the garden below.

Ye Yijian, the head of the September 1st Daily in Taiwan, stood behind him and reported: "Among the major film companies, this Mr. Tsai is the most charismatic. As soon as Taiwan announced the lifting of martial law, he immediately began to acquire cinemas. Now he has set up three and a half cinema chains and is preparing to make great strides."

After a pause, Hong Kong's top paparazzo behind him laughed again: "I found out that he has spent more than 70 million NT dollars to set up his cinema chain. If you, Mr. Zhai, refuse to sell him the distribution and screening rights this time, I think this Mr. Cai will have a hard time in the future."

So you have a weakness?

Zhai Yuan turned around and smiled at Ye Yijian, stretching and saying, "I prefer to cooperate with companies that have weaknesses. Things are different now. The entertainment group is on the right track, and VCDs and discs are distributed overseas. Where would I find the time to waste my energy scheming against these nouveau riche?"

Ye Yijian smiled apologetically as he polished shoes: "Mr. Zhai is right."

Leaving aside the still-under-construction China-Hong Kong Communications, Zhai Yuan's Kuaibo Technology and semiconductor businesses, and even the secret unit Tokyo Hot, provide cash flow that surpasses that of a single film industry. If the likes of Cai Songlin can't reach an agreement, they can just switch to another one. If they still can't reach an agreement, at most they will give up a part of the Taiwan market, just like before. This is harmless to Zhai Yuan, but it is nothing short of a disaster for Taiwan film distributors.

"So let Sister Nan handle these minor characters."

Zhai Yuan withdrew his gaze and smiled at Ye Yijian, saying, "Someone from TSMC called and wanted to meet with me for a chat. I should give them that face. Could you please arrange a car for me, Brother Jian, and bring a few reporters over to take some photos? At least to distinguish me from these shady characters. News is scarce in Taiwan, and I'm afraid they'll really think I'm like them, someone who wallows in the mud."

……

Having spent many years navigating the business world, Cai Songlin had long since shed the airs of a江湖人 (jianghu person, someone from the underworld).

After exchanging a few words with Shi Nansheng, seeing that the other party remained calm and did not show any intention to cooperate, he finally couldn't help but feel a little impatient.

“Miss Shi, no matter how you look at it, the scholar’s ​​abilities far surpass those of Peking Union Medical College. Moreover, I currently have three and a half cinema chains, which can guarantee that Hong Kong films will be shown in Taiwan as soon as possible.”

Cai Songlin frowned and said in an unhappy tone, "If even Xu Anjin can get the distribution rights for 91 Entertainment, forgive my ignorance, but I really can't think of any reason why you rejected me."

Shi Nansheng's smile remained, tinged with a hint of reproach: "Mr. Cai, what are you saying? Mr. Zhai entrusted me with such a large business deal, so I have to be careful and thoughtful, considering the company's best interests. Besides..."

Before he could finish speaking, the glass door to the entrance was pushed open, and footsteps mingled with Zhai Yuan's lazy voice.

Zhai Yuan stepped out onto the garden lawn and nodded to Cai Songlin: "Besides, we've already talked to Lao Xu, and he's patriotic."

Beside the table, Shi Nansheng and Xu Anhua stood up together and greeted Mr. Zhai.

Cai Songlin took a deep breath, stared at the young man in front of him for a few seconds, and then slowly stood up, revealing a humble smile: "Mr. Zhai, I can talk too, and I can be patriotic too."

"Really?" Zhai Yuan smiled and turned to Ye Yijian beside him, saying, "Brother Jian, go and prepare the car first, and have the guys wait at the TSMC entrance."

Ye Yijian responded and went out.

Zhai Yuan then looked at Cai Songlin again, shook his head and laughed, "You Taiwanese are all good at talking nonsense. You talk about patriotism but don't dare to say which country you love. Let me be clearer... Mr. Cai, Old Xu said he supports Taiwan's return to the motherland."

Cai Songlin's lips twitched a few times, and his voice unconsciously lowered a few decibels: "I also support the return of Taiwan..."

“Good!” Zhai Yuan nodded: “Tomorrow, the September 1st Daily will arrange an exclusive interview for you. Tell the outside world loudly that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China.”

Cai Songlin raised an eyebrow, his smile turning bitter: "Mr. Zhai, are you trying to kill me? Then I'd rather give up the Hong Kong film business."

"Just kidding~" Zhai Yuan laughed exaggeratedly twice, then muttered to himself, "It's a bit early to ask you guys to express your opinions now, you new leaders... tsk!"

Then he raised his face, looked at Cai Songlin whose expression was uncertain, and patted him on the shoulder: "But you owe me this sentence. Remember, maybe five years, maybe ten years, but in any future day, when you have freedom of speech here, if I need it, all the film companies on the island that cooperate with the Film Association, along with the artists under your management, will have to stand up and return this sentence to me. Any problems?"

Cai Songlin was silent for a moment, then slowly exhaled a breath of stale air: "Okay."

"Hey, Sister Nan!" Zhai Yuan immediately turned his head, pointed to the empty negotiation table, and said to Shi Nansheng, "This won't do. Mr. Cai is a guest from afar. How come you haven't even prepared a cup of tea? Pour him a cup of hot tea, and then discuss the contract details with him in detail. Otherwise, he'll think we Hong Kong people are impolite. That's all, I have to go now!"

…………

That's probably all the value that the Taiwanese entertainment industry can offer.

If these so-called 'godfathers' and 'tycoons' are willing to listen, at least in the future, a group of hermaphrodites who can turn the tables on their artists can be selected, which would be icing on the cake and make the best use of them.

Celebrities wield considerable influence, and eventually, they will find a use for it.

Zhai Yuan sat in the car heading to TSMC, pondering the current situation.

This trip to Taiwan is almost over. If it weren't for an invitation from TSMC, I would probably be on my way to the airport right now.

As for why the other party took the initiative to invite him, Zhai Yuan could roughly guess. His own Shinsun Semiconductor in Japan had snatched Intel's first foundry order in Asia, gaining a decisive advantage. TSMC must be having a tough time right now.

Sitting in the car, Ye Yijian reported to Zhai Yuan: "Mr. Zhai, the newly appointed head of Taiwan is obsessed with the semiconductor business. The paparazzi have reported that he frequently visits the Hsinchu Science Park and talks with researchers there all night long. TSMC's initiative to invite you to meet this time might be at the behest of this new head of Taiwan."

Zhai Yuan grinned: "You mean I have a chance to meet the current island owner?"

Ye Yijian rubbed his hands together excitedly and said, "It would be best to see each other. If we can take a picture of the two of you together, I'll do the layout tonight and put it on the front page of the September 1st Daily tomorrow morning."

"Then you're probably going to be disappointed." Zhai Yuan chuckled. "Our openly taking sides at the Golden Horse Awards already caused quite a stir. Even if Iwasato Masao is obsessed with the semiconductor business, he wouldn't choose to contact me at this time. Otherwise, wouldn't that be telling the outside world that he supports our people's political views at the Golden Horse Awards?"

After all, even though the Taiwanese government has lifted martial law this year, it has not given up its illusion of a military counterattack.

This is also why Cai Songlin dares not speak out. His family and business are deeply rooted here, and if he says something, his identity as a gang leader might be reported in the newspapers tomorrow, and he might be sent back to Green Island Prison.

Ye Yijian nodded upon hearing this: "That makes sense. So, it's not like we won't even be able to see a big shot, is it?"

Zhai Yuan gave a noncommittal "hmm," then closed his eyes to rest: "You'll know when we get there..."

Speechless all the way.

After driving out of New Taipei City and passing through Taoyuan, it took more than an hour to finally arrive at the Hsinchu Science Park.

TSMC's gate is not ostentatious, but it has a sense of order. Guard booths are located on both sides of the heavy gate, and the security personnel are all in neat uniforms.

Outside the gate stood several engineers dressed in white shirts and khaki trousers.

The leader was a middle-aged man with graying temples.

Before getting out of the car, the paparazzi captain introduced the other person to Zhai Yuan: "Sun Zhongmou, Dean of the Industrial Technology Research Institute."

Zhai Yuan, the founder of Formosa Semiconductor, is a familiar name.

As expected, although Sun Zhongmou personally greeted him at the gate, which was already a great honor, no political figures were involved.

"Dean Sun."

"Mr. Zhai."

After getting off the train, there were the usual polite greetings. Sun Zhongmou praised Zhai Yuan for his young talent, and Zhai Yuan responded with humility and courtesy.

At that moment, several reporters wearing September 1st Daily press passes suddenly appeared in the accompanying black van and captured the scene of the old man and the young man together on camera.

Sun Zhongmou seemed to have anticipated this, showing no surprise at the appearance of reporters. Instead, he faced the camera and took the initiative to shake Zhai Yuan's hands, displaying a friendly attitude.

"Sun Zhongmou is Sun Zhongmou, and he's also the director of a research institute!"

Seeing his boss being ushered into the park, Ye Yijian took the camera from the employee, inspected it, and instructed, "Immediately notify the editorial department to put this photo on the front page tomorrow, and the headline should read..."

After a moment's thought, Ye Yijian spoke again: "President Zhai Yuan inspected the Formosa Science Park and met with Sun Zhongmou, the director of the research institute!"

……

"What does Mr. Zhai think of this science park?"

Before TSMC became the world's leading semiconductor manufacturer, the 3.7-hectare Hsinchu Science Park was not yet filled with cement and glass. The air was filled with the smells of soil, resin, and electronic components. Instead of modern electronic screens between factories, rows of yellowed handwritten work orders were posted on bulletin boards.

In the distance, through the glass door of the cleanroom, engineers dressed in white bunny suits, with only their eyes showing, carefully operated the wafer equipment.

Sun Zhongmou led Zhai Yuan on a tour of the park, then invited him to sit down on a bench and asked him with a smile.

"The renovation is nice."

Zhai Yuan made a joke, then laughed and said, "Dean Sun, if we're talking about technical topics, I'm afraid you'll be disappointed. I'm a money-grubber, I didn't even go to university, I know nothing about science and engineering, I'm just lucky and good at speculation."

"Right now, only Mr. Zhai's Shenshan can secure orders for global wafer foundry business. It's not just a matter of good luck, is it?"

Sun Zhongmou laughed and waved his hand, then said, "If I told you that TSMC was also founded with the intention of starting with contract manufacturing, would you believe me, Mr. Zhai?"

Zhai Yuanchong blinked at the old man in front of him: "Is Dean Sun trying to steal our Shenshan's business by saying this?"

“Time waits for no one.” Sun Zhongmou smiled helplessly and said seriously, “Mr. Zhai’s Shenshan Semiconductor has emerged as a dark horse. In all my years in the technology industry, I have never heard of such a miracle. So not only me, but also the high-ranking officials of Taiwan’s government once believed that Shenshan had the support of the mainland. Considering your position, Mr. Zhai, this is probably the most reasonable explanation.”

Zhai Yuan laughed and said, "It's not that complicated."

Sun Zhongmou nodded and said, "Yes, I went to the mainland last week and learned from several influential people in Yanjing that the achievements of Shenshan today are indeed due to your efforts, Mr. Zhai. If we must talk about the support from the mainland, perhaps only Professor Tao Zongyi of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has done so."

Upon hearing this, Zhai Yuan raised an eyebrow. Sun Zhongmou personally went to Yanjing City and even Tao Zongyi investigated thoroughly. TSMC has really put in a lot of effort this time.

“Mr. Zhai, I also come from a technical background and have little interest in politics.”

Sun Zhongmou glanced at Zhai Yuan's reaction and smiled as he said, "You've seen the current situation at TSMC. Although it can't compare to the mature technology of Shenshan, our engineers are already able to try processes such as etching, developing, and diffusion on silicon wafers."

Zhai Yuan asked, "What does Dean Sun mean?"

"So this time when I went to Yanjing, I proposed a win-win plan to the people above me."

Sun Zhongmou looked at Zhai Yuan with shining eyes: "TSMC will raise US$50 billion within six months to build a new technology park in Nanjing, with its own power plant and water conservancy facilities. If we can cooperate with your Shenshan, share orders and technology, and gather the resources of our three places to complete this project, the mainland will definitely have a leading global semiconductor company in the future."

Zhai Yuan remained silent for a moment upon hearing this, then asked calmly, "What is the attitude of influential figures in Yanjing City towards this matter?"

“Fully support.” Sun Zhongmou stared into Zhai Yuan’s eyes: “As long as Mr. Zhai is willing to cooperate, the mainland will allocate at least 3000 hectares of land in Jinling City for the construction of an industrial park, including manufacturing, research and development, living facilities, dormitories, schools and hospitals. The goal is to make Jinling City the first industrial new city on the mainland…”

(End of this chapter)