Entertainment: Since 1990

Chapter 330: Shut those people up for good!

Hong Kong films have been declining at a visible rate in the past two years.

Last year, apart from Stephen Chow's films, the highest-grossing film was Jackie Chan's "Mr. Nice Guy." The rest of the films, including the top ten highest-grossing films, were all below HK$30 million.

Wang Jing can only rehash old material, making a film called "Young God of Gamblers," which grossed less than 20 million at the box office, yet still managed to rank in the top ten.

If we go back five or six years, this situation would be almost unimaginable.

Besides the impact of Hollywood movies, another reason is that many movies are just rehashing old ideas and lack originality, which audiences are tired of seeing.

However, under these circumstances, Cao Jian's low-budget film "Wish Upon a Star" actually grossed over 30 million yuan, which made some film experts very unhappy.

Fueled by jealous individuals, these experts told numerous media outlets that Cao Jian's recent films lacked substance and relied entirely on the actors to carry the show, especially "Fly Me to Polaris," claiming that the film's high box office was an insult to Hong Kong cinema.

Although Cao Jian is now the uncrowned king of Hong Kong's entertainment industry, he cannot yet control everything.

In addition, Cao Jian has filmed a lot of TV series in the past two years, and rumors have spread that Cao Jian may have run out of ideas and that he is going to retire.

Jin Yong is already so old, and he's still revising his novels. You, Cao Jian, are not even thirty years old, and you're already saying you want to retire. What else could it be but running out of ideas?
They said this not only out of jealousy of Cao Jian's talent and current status, wanting to embarrass him, but also because someone wanted to ruin Cao Jian's reputation.

“Honey, all these rumors in the newspapers are bad things about you.”

Upon arriving in Hong Kong, Xu Qing saw the newspaper report about Cao Jian and looked indignant.

"That's normal, they just envy your man."

Cao Jian glanced at the newspaper, appearing indifferent, but in his heart he was calculating how best to slap these people in the face and shut them up completely!

After a moment's thought, he smiled and said, "Let's go, let's go check out my film company first, we might run into the paparazzi."

"Should we go with them?"

Hearing about the terrifying paparazzi in Hong Kong, the two sisters, Xu Qing and Chen Hao, were somewhat frightened.

"With me here, everything will be fine. Besides, I'm not afraid at all."

Cao Jian's attitude made the two women quite happy.

Sure enough, when the three arrived at the entrance of Cao Jian's film company, the paparazzi who had been staking out the place for who knows how long suddenly jumped out.

"Mr. Cao, did you just return to Hong Kong today? What do you think of the rumors that you've run out of ideas?"

"There are rumors that your screenplay for 'Wish Upon a Star' is of poor quality. Could you explain why?"

"Cao Sheng, were you forced to direct TV dramas in mainland China because you couldn't write better movie scripts?"

"Cao Sheng, your previous scripts have all received good reviews, so why did you choose to write a script like 'Starry Wish'?"

……

Facing a swarm of reporters and a barrage of questions, this was exactly what Cao Jian wanted.

He glanced at the reporters and said loudly, "The claim that I'm at my wit's end is utter nonsense. I recently finished two good scripts, and my trip back to Hong Kong is to invest in their production. Today, I'll use your cameras to tell those who are slandering me that these two films will definitely shut you up!"

"click"

When Cao Jian spoke, he exuded a kingly aura.

Countless cameras and video recorders captured Cao Jian's appearance and his words at that moment.

"So handsome, so domineering!"

Xu Qing and Chen Hao were completely captivated by their man's arrogant and domineering demeanor.

But then, a clueless reporter stepped forward and asked, "Mr. Cao, I know you are very talented, but to say that your script can shut others up is a bit too confident, isn't it?"

"Are you questioning me?"

Cao Jian immediately looked over, and his sharp gaze scared the reporter so much that he shrank back.

"This man's demeanor changed completely after he appeared at the World Cup opening ceremony."

Reporters are aware of Cao Jian's influence in the entertainment industry, but he is still young, which is why he is being slandered.

It seems now that we cannot judge a person by their age.

Cao Jian scared off the reporter who wanted to question him, and then said: "I make TV dramas because I am a shareholder of TVB and I like making TV dramas. As for 'Wish Upon a Star,' it is a commercial film. As a commercial film, the film itself is qualified, but my new film will definitely not disappoint everyone."

After Cao Jian finished speaking, he ignored the reporters who wanted to ask more questions and led Xu Qing and Chen Hao into the company.

"Snapped!"

Cao Jian's remarks quickly appeared in many Hong Kong media outlets. Mr. Yang, the owner of a company, was so angry when he saw the news that he slammed his fist on the table.

The subordinates knew that their boss had always looked down on Cao Jian, and that their boss had already entered the entertainment industry this year.

But Cao Jian, this kid from the mainland, is currently the biggest obstacle as the boss. If the company wants to rise, it must bring Cao Jian down!
The bespectacled boss slammed his hand on the table, still not satisfied, and cursed, "Arrogant! Too arrogant! They actually want everyone to shut up!"

In fact, the defamatory remarks against Cao Jian were spread by someone he had arranged.

Moreover, he recently plans to promote several new talents to become the pillars of the entertainment company in the future, but Cao Jian is too famous, and with him around, it will be difficult for other young people to stand out.

"Boss, is Cao Jian just bragging? His script this time is actually similar to movies like 'King of Comedy' and 'Shaolin Soccer,' and it's all about the actors' performances."

The subordinate beside him quickly said what the boss wanted to hear.

"Judging from the scripts he has written in the past two years, it is indeed possible."

Mr. Yang was indeed pleased to hear this, and laughed, "What you said makes some sense. Whether it's Stephen Chow's films or 'Fly Me to Polaris,' they all rely on the actors' acting skills and good looks to achieve such box office success."

At this point, he sighed, "But Zhang Baizhi is really beautiful."

"Boss, when our company gets going, we'll just poach Zhang Baizhi."

"Yes, we must dig it over."

This Mr. Yang was also a well-known womanizer in Hong Kong, with countless concubines.

He usually has to have the woman he sets his sights on, but now Cao Jian is quite powerful and even calls the Xiang brothers of Yong Sheng sworn brothers. It is also said that he has an ambiguous relationship with Mei Yanfang.

Although I can't beat him for now, if his two movies aren't as good as people say, then I'll use the power of the media to completely bring him down from his pedestal.

Once Cao Jian's reputation is ruined, that old man at TVB might not value him as much anymore, and might even take away his power.

At that time, Cao Jian will likely slink back to the mainland in disgrace, and Cao Jian can take advantage of his existing wealth to promote a few actors and make a few movies, and then the Hong Kong entertainment industry will be his domain.

Although Cao Jian didn't know what was behind the rumors, he didn't want to bear that reputation.

Upon arriving at the company, he immediately announced his intention to secretly film "Infernal Affairs" and "The Myth".

"The Myth" was something I promised Jackie Chan last time.

"Infernal Affairs" is intended to slap the faces of those who say they lack substance.

However, he doesn't plan to direct either of these two films.

Filming "Swordsman" was too tiring, and as a wealthy man, he plans to enjoy his time behind the scenes.

After news broke that Mr. Cao had a new project to film, although rumors circulated in the entertainment industry that Cao Jian might have run out of ideas, the film's box office performance was undeniable.

Given that these rumors were just the opinions of some film critics, many directors immediately came to offer their services, wanting to take on these two films.

Cao Jian's film and television company was bustling with activity.

After some discussion, Cao Jian handed over the filming of "The Myth" to Tsui Hark, while "Infernal Affairs" was given to Liu Weiqiang, who liked to make gangster and police films.

The two readily agreed that they would definitely make both films well.

"Director Liu, I attach great importance to this film, Infernal Affairs. We must invite Tony Leung and Andy Lau to play the two male leads."

Cao Jian was quite confident in the director's abilities, but he still made demands on the lead actor.

"Invite the two of them?"

Although Cao Jian is the most famous person in the Hong Kong entertainment industry, Tony Leung and Andy Lau are also quite good.

Especially Tony Leung, an actor who has won countless Best Actor awards. Boss Cao actually got these two to work together; with this cast alone, it's impossible for this film not to be a hit.

But if.
Liu Zhenwei suddenly suggested, "Boss Cao, how about you make a cameo appearance as the young Liu Jianming in the film? That would definitely benefit the box office."

"Me, a cameo role?"

Cao Jian has watched "Infernal Affairs" many times. It is the best Hong Kong film of the early 21st century, without exception.

The actor who played the young Liu Jianming was none other than Mr. Chen, who later became a photography enthusiast.

I'm quite the ladies' man myself, almost as much as Teacher Chen. Is this fate?

When "Infernal Affairs" was a huge hit, countless girls who didn't watch police and gangster films went to the cinema just to see Mr. Chan.

If I were to make a cameo appearance, the effect would definitely be better than that of Teacher Chen.

Thinking of this, Cao Jian agreed, "Okay."

"Great!"

With Mr. Cao making a cameo appearance, Liu Weiqiang has even more confidence in this film.

As he walked out of Cao Jian's company, he was immediately surrounded by reporters: "Director Liu, what was the result?"

"Boss Cao has handed over the filming of the movie 'Infernal Affairs' to me."

"congratulations."

Some reporters offered their congratulations, while others pressed further: "Director Liu, can you offer your honest opinion on the film script? Is the script, as Mr. Cao said last time, capable of silencing all those who question it?"

"Mr. Cao is right. His script for Infernal Affairs is the best I've ever seen. This movie might even surpass A Better Tomorrow!"

"Beyond 'A Better Tomorrow'?"

The reporters present were all taken aback by these comments.

"A Better Tomorrow" is a representative of Hong Kong gangster films and a classic that is hard to surpass.

Now some people are actually saying it will surpass this movie, isn't that just bragging?

Liu Zhenwei nodded seriously: "I saw someone say that Cao Sheng had run out of ideas before, and I was a little skeptical, but after seeing his new script, I would like to give those people who are jealous of Cao Sheng's talent four words: nonsense!"

After saying that, he confidently left under the protection of his bodyguards.

Is Mr. Cao's new script really that good?

The reporters couldn't figure out whether Liu Zhenwei was saying this to curry favor with Boss Cao, or whether the script was really as good as he claimed.

"His words were just to curry favor with Cao Jian! 'Transcending the true nature of a hero'? What a load of bull!"

Among the companies that had already put up the Yinghuang sign, Mr. Yang, the boss, sneered when he saw the reporter's report.

If the director says the script is good, that's somewhat plausible, since Cao Jian has many representative works to his name, but he doesn't believe it can surpass "A Better Tomorrow" at all.

He tossed the newspaper on the table, picked up the previous one, looked at Cao Jian's handsome yet annoying face, and laughed, "I'll definitely remember that. When the movie comes out, if it's just so-so, I'll use this report to embarrass Cao Jian!"

Cao Jian's Villa.

"Honey, can Infernal Affairs surpass A Better Tomorrow?"

Wang Fei leaned against her boyfriend, touching her slightly protruding belly, with a hint of worry on her face: "If we can't surpass him, maybe some people will come out and laugh at us."

"It should be about the same."

He has seen both "A Better Tomorrow" and "Infernal Affairs," and both films are excellent.

However, one story is about brotherhood in the underworld, while the other is about police infiltration and competition, so they are not really comparable.

But Liu Zhenwei has already said that if we really have to compare, he still prefers "Infernal Affairs" a bit more, and judging from the Douban rating, "Infernal Affairs" is indeed a bit stronger.

"I can rest assured that."

"Baby, don't think too much. Just focus on your pregnancy and take good care of our son."

Wang Fei conceived with Cao Jian after she returned to Hong Kong from attending the World Cup opening ceremony. She is now more than five months pregnant, and the doctor says it's a boy.

"I know, I just love your son."

"I feel sorry for you too."

Cao Jian laughed and said, "Originally, I was thinking of having you make a cameo appearance in 'Infernal Affairs,' but it seems that won't be possible now."

"I'll just sing from now on; I'm too lazy to act anymore."

Since becoming a superstar and the owner of a record company, Wang Fei has lost interest in acting.

Now I'm thinking about how to make Jay Chou famous as soon as possible, so that I can give my lover eight sons.

Jay Chou is good at writing songs for his company, but with that unclear pronunciation, can he really become famous?
Touching her belly, she said, "You said last time you had a lot of women, and now you've hooked up with two more while filming. Sigh."

"I couldn't help it."

"You have to be more patient in the future."

"But what about Japan, which I'm going to this time?"

"What the Japanese girl said"

Wang Fei knew what her lover was thinking, and said helplessly, "Take care of yourself, just don't let women drain you dry, or else... I'll bite you!"

The casting for "Infernal Affairs" was done according to Cao Jian's requirements.

The male leads are naturally Andy Lau and Tony Leung, and the actresses must also be from Cao Cao's company.

Therefore, Zhou Huimin became one of the leading actresses, and Li Zi also played a role in it.

However, the female lead in the drama "The Myth" is a princess from Joseon, so Mr. Cao requested that a Korean actress be used.

As for who the actors are, Cao Jian told Xu Ke that he would go to South Korea after the New Year to personally select the actors.

Cao Jian spent a week in Hong Kong, spending time with his woman, showering her with affection, and also shopping with Xu Qing and Chen Hao.

The two women also witnessed for the first time Cao Jian's influence and terrifying power in Hong Kong.

It turns out he was much richer than he imagined, worth tens of billions, and even became a role model for many young people.

On January 15th, a month before the last New Year of the 20th century, Cao Jian bid farewell to the women of Hong Kong and flew to Tokyo.

"Toei Company welcomes Mr. Cao Jian's visit to Japan!"

"Toho Films welcomes Mr. Cao Jian to Japan!"

"Cao Jian Fan Club, welcome King Cao!"

In front of a dedicated helipad, several banners were prominently displayed at the exit. Representatives of Cao Jian's fans, as well as welcoming teams from Toho, Toei, and Shochiku, were all eagerly awaiting the landing of Mr. Cao's chartered plane.

Among the welcoming teams from the three companies, the various beautiful hostesses attracted the attention of passersby.

"Is this Dongbao trying to steal our business?"

Toho and Toei have been competing in the animation industry for many years.

Toei felt that since they chose "Until the End of the World" sung by Cao Xueqin as one of the theme songs for their production of "Slam Dunk," the relationship between the two was naturally closer.

But in addition to anime production, Toho also produces other TV dramas and movies, and has good relationships with female celebrities in the entertainment industry.

Judging from the fact that their welcoming party included a newly popular artist, it's clear that the other party was prepared to go all out for the comic book copyright held by Boss Cao, as well as this person's influence in China.

However, if you're going to offer women, then I'll offer something else. I don't believe I can't beat you.

No matter what, we must get the rights to One Piece this time!

The Toei executive glared at Toho, their competitor, and secretly vowed...
(End of this chapter)