Artists under the Rebirth of the Coal Boss

Chapter 268 Recruiting TVB Actors!

Hong Kong Island, 18 Pak Bi Shan Road, Tai Tam, Southern District, Hong Shan Peninsula Villa.

Xiao Ma was flipping through a newly published picture book by Jimmy Liao called "Starry Night" on the balcony.

Zhang Youqian carried three cups of Lan Fong Yuen Hong Kong-style milk tea and a box of Tai Cheong Bakery's Fat Peng Egg Tarts, placing them on the coffee table.

Lin Xingzhuo had just put down his NDS and taken a sip of his milk tea when Zhang Youqian handed him a document.

Zhang Youqian said, "Tiger Shadow Star Entertainment's Hong Kong branch has been established, and they plan to sign a new artist. They want me to ask for your opinion."

Lin Xingzhuo took the documents, saw the photos and resume inside, and said in surprise:
"Yellowish-brown?"

"I remember he was nominated for Best Actor for the first time this year for 'Burning Flame III'. Is he going to switch agencies?"

Zhang Youqian said, "Lin Feng was nominated in 2002! They were both young actors who debuted around the same time as TVB's millennial generation! He's already 7 years late!"

“I’ve heard Lin Xilei mention that there is a lot of internal struggle at TVB. The production department of Tsang Lai-chun and the artist department of Lok Yik-ling are two factions that have been fighting for a long time, and the artists have to choose sides!”

“Recently, Zeng Lizhen’s production department has gained power. As an artist from Le Yiling’s faction, Huang Zongze will naturally be implicated in factional infighting and will not have a good time.”

Lin Xingzhuo picked up a Taichang Bakery egg tart. The outer layer was a crisp, buttery crust, and the inner layer was a smooth, creamy custard, offering a very rich texture. While eating, he asked:

What is the company's artist management department's attitude?

Zhang Youqian sipped her milk tea and said, "Of course the artist management department welcomes him. Huang Zongze even offered to pay the breach of contract penalty himself in order to find a new agency."

Lin Xingzhuo said, "Find a new job at your own expense? That's outrageous!"

Zhang Youqian said, "Now other companies simply don't dare to take on TVB's traitors."

"In the early days, Sir Run Run Shaw of TVB had already spoken with his colleagues in the Hong Kong entertainment circle. Ms. Fong also once declared that anyone who betrayed the cause would be blacklisted! Paying the breach of contract fee wouldn't help!!"
After reviewing the company's documents, including the amount of TVB's breach of contract and the market value analysis of Huang Zongze, Lin Xingzhuo said, "This is such a good deal, let's take it!"

After thinking for a moment, Zhang Youqian still suggested, "I recommend that the company not sign it!"

Lin Xingzhuo asked in confusion, "Why? With TVB's current influence, can it still interfere in the mainland film and television industry?"

Seeing Lin Xingzhuo's puzzled expression, Zhang Youqian could only be direct and say, "Brother Zhuo! He contradicts your persona!!"

This artist of ours doesn't care at all about his career development plan!

Competition for niche positions within the entertainment industry is more despicable than heresy! It's an absolute life-or-death struggle!

After Zhang Youqian reminded him, Lin Xingzhuo remembered Huang Zongze's artist persona.

…………

There are quite a few scumbags in the entertainment industry.

Many people have a respectable appearance and usually behave humbly and politely in public.

However, quite a few have been exposed for sleeping with fans, having affairs with co-stars, being married to actors on set, or exploiting younger actors, leading to their careers collapsing.

Compared to this, Huang Zongze's playboy persona is really clever!
Once everything is out in the open, no one will have anything to say.

Another fan commented: "The show's gone wrong! I'm hating them for life! I'm so angry!"
Huang Zongze's fans: Collapsed house? What house collapsed?

In addition, Zhang Youqian said something else: objectively speaking, the yellow-brown color is more attractive.

In the early 2000s, Wong Chung-chak was hailed as a "potential rising star" by Hong Kong media for his role as pilot "Tse Lap-ho" in "Triumph in the Skies".

In 2005, he played the dual roles of "Ning Maochun" and "Nameless Swordsman" in the TV series "My Savage Granny".

His contrasting performances drew attention to his versatility and the charm of his characters, making him a recognized "bad boy" in the Hong Kong entertainment circle.

Objectively speaking, Lin Xingzhuo is somewhat lacking in this aspect...

…………

That evening, Lin Xingzhuo discussed this matter with his friends in the game's chat group.

Cao Dun and Chen Guang agreed, saying that competitors are rivals, especially those in the same field, where the animosity is even greater!

But Feng Shaofeng said something that instantly reversed the consensus in the group.

…………

At that time, the topic of Wong Chung Chak had ended, and everyone was discussing Hong Kong's catering services.

Chen Guang: "Brother Zhuo, since you're already in Hong Kong, why didn't you go directly to the Fuji Tower?"

Cao Dun: "Oh dear! Restaurants like Fuji, Fali, Jianxing, Fule, and Heyi are all too straightforward. Many of them are just like Laoxiangji (a popular local restaurant chain). How could Brother Zhuo possibly be interested in them..."

Lin Xingzhu saw the message in the QQ group on his phone and honestly typed out a reply:

"To be honest, our group's resources in Hong Kong and Taiwan are still too weak. High-end restaurants require connections."

"The people who have good relationships in the Hong Kong entertainment circle, such as Twins, Lin Xilei, and Liu Jialing, are all women, so I was too embarrassed to ask."

Feng Shaofeng, who had been lurking in the group chat, spoke up: "Brother Zhuo, I heard that Huangzongze has a lot of resources in this area!"

"Many models asked Huang Zongze for his contact information during this year's Catwalk Dream Star competition."

Cao Dun: "I've heard of this competition in Taibei. It's a very high-profile event, often referred to as the Oscars of the Taibei modeling world."

"The judging panel and hosting team are very strong, including well-known artists such as Zhang Xiaoyan, Zhang Aijia, Bai Yunhui, and Ruan Jingtian."

"Lin Chih-ling, the top model in the entertainment industry, also attended to show her support."

Feng Shaofeng: "I heard this news from Ouyang Zhenhua, the lead actor of Zhong Kui, while I was filming the TV series 'The Legend of Zhong Kui' recently."

"Wong Chung Chak has a very good relationship with male celebrities in the Hong Kong entertainment circle."

"Every time I go out, I can bring a bunch of girls from Hong Kong and Taiwan, and I often get to eat top-quality abalone, the kind of girls who are considered frontrunners in talent shows!!"

Chen Guang added, "I also heard this rumor when I was chatting with Mr. Deng from Hong Kong and Taiwan on the set of 'The Mischievous Bride'."

"By the way, Lin Zhiling's group also led the newcomers selected from this competition to form a yacht painters' group, and they had a lot of fun."

"By the way, Zhuo-ge, Yang Mi keeps mentioning you on set. She said she recently asked you to play KartRider, but you always stand her up!"

Cao Dun: "Stop rambling and get to the details of the Yacht Painter Bureau."

Feng Shaofeng: "Detailed Explanation +1"

Lin Xingzhuo: "Detailed Explanation +2"

Chen Guang: "Zhiling selected a group of new contestants with peach-shaped buttocks from the competition. The ones on the yacht were cosplaying as illustrators, and the sponsors were also cosplaying as illustrators."

Cao Dun, Lin Xingzhuo, and Feng Shaofeng: "..."

Feng Shaofeng suddenly posted a screenshot, saying, "I just asked my dark agent."

"He said that Huang Zongze not only has a lot of resources in the Hong Kong and Taiwan circles, but also used to go to Japan for evaluations frequently."

"This screenshot is a travel guide to Japan that he posted in the adult section of the LeoLok forum before his debut."

Lin Xingzhuo opened the screenshot and checked the most liked content from Huang Zongze's early account.

…………

Kabukicho? That's where I buy my charging cables, so feel free to go there. My friends are from places like Tobita and Matsushima in Osaka, Fukuhara in Kobe, Nakasu in Fukuoka, and Nishiki in Nagoya…

Sanjohancho in Kyoto, Yoshiwara in Tokyo, Horinouchi in Kawasaki, Isaki in Yokohama, Kokubuncho in Sendai, Sakaecho in Chiba, and Susukino in Sapporo.

These places are extremely dangerous; please avoid them and be careful not to get into any danger. Students, please take notes!

…………

After looking at the screenshot of the strategy guide, the group fell into a brief silence.

Cao Dun: "Brother Zhuo, it's time to bring some fresh blood into our group."

Chen Guang: "Actually, there are many competitors in the same track. Only strong opponents can highlight that you, Zhuo Ge, are superior to the crowd and have a clear advantage!"

Feng Shaofeng: "That's right, if we sign him into the company, we can control his future career development!"

Lin Xingzhuo said, "Sigh, for the sake of my brothers! I'll have the talent agency sign him! He's a pitiful person too!"

Cao Dun: "Sir, you are truly righteous!"

Chen Guang: "Brother Zhuo is so generous! I'm willing to serve you like a dog!"

Feng Shaofeng: "Godfather!"

Lin Xingzhuo: "Get lost!"

…………

Lin Xingzhuo wasn't making things up when he said Huang Zongze was also a pitiful person.

In his previous life, he mentioned his family situation when he participated in the TVB program "Silk Road Gathering".

His mother has always been very strict about his love life, and has frequently made things difficult for his girlfriends since he started dating at the age of 17.

A stern face at the dinner table, daily scolding, and even being chased away in person are all commonplace.

He cited an example of a girlfriend who was a lawyer and a Cambridge graduate from a scholarly family. However, she was criticized by her mother for wearing an off-the-shoulder dress, which was deemed "improper," and the relationship eventually ended.

The mother's demands on her girlfriend were almost harsh:

Must be fluent in Cantonese, able to cook soup, good at housework, and have studied at top universities in the UK or US...

Conservative attire, financially independent, owns property in Hong Kong, family members have UK permanent residency or US green cards...

His mother would even conduct surprise checks on the woman's whereabouts, credit card statements, and property bills.

Those who have no money are up to no good and are greedy for money.
Those who are wealthy feel that dressing fashionably is not conservative enough;

Middle-class families believe that a humble family is not good enough for their precious son;
Huang Zongze eventually gave up fighting against his family of origin, saying:

"These high standards led to most of his relationships ending without fruition. Eventually, he came to terms with it and decided to just have fun!"

…………

After Lin Xingzhuo changed his mind, Zhang Youqian surprisingly did not object.

She also said things like she would broaden her horizons and definitely keep up with Lin Xingzhuo's pace, which were quite nonsensical...

This caused Lin Xingzhuo to completely misunderstand.

…………

It turns out that Zhang Youqian had discussed this matter with Xu Zhixia and received a lecture from her senior.

Lin Xingzhuo is undoubtedly the top dog of the Tiger Group, but he is also one of the three giants of the coal capital group.

His talent, charisma, and ambition far surpass those of the mere entertainment industry!

Lin Xingzhuo's acting skills, which are sometimes phenomenal and sometimes terrible, are the best proof of that!
Lin Xingzhuo was the mastermind behind the Tiger Group's coal capital scheme.

His main focus wasn't on entertainment activities, but rather on strategic planning and decisive action, setting the overall strategic direction for the conglomerate!
This is the root cause of the inconsistent and erratic acting skills of this "Tiger King"!

The entertainment industry is too small a platform to allow this person, who embodies the spirit of heaven and earth, to showcase his true abilities...

In short, as Lin Xingzhuo's manager, without matching awareness and ambition, one cannot keep up with the pace of this epic powerhouse! Being eliminated is only a matter of time!!

As for signing Huangzongze...

Lin Xingzhuo will definitely get the contract signed!
Although they seem to be on the same track in the entertainment industry, they are actually from completely different dimensions!
…………

Zhang Youqian was still wondering whether her senior's words were reliable.

It wasn't until Lin Xingzhuo proactively told Zhang Youqian to have the company sign Huang Zongze that Zhang Youqian was convinced that what Senior Xu Zhixia had said was true...

Is this the charisma and confidence of a superstar?
Zhang Youqian's feelings for Lin Xingzhuo became increasingly complex.

........................

On Thursday, Lin Xingzhuo asked the film crew for a day to attend the "Sprite Music Cruise" commercial event, which was also the first commercial deal Lin Xingzhuo received in the Hong Kong area.

The event involved a concert held on a Star Cruises ship and a lucky draw to select Sprite customers through promotional activities.

This event invited dozens of celebrities, including Jay Chou, Zhang Shaohan, and Lin Junjie.

When Lin Xingzhuo arrived at the event, Jay Chou and JJ Lin, who were scheduled to perform in the morning, had already finished their songs and left...

In accordance with the commercial contract, Lin Xingzhuo went on stage and sang a song called "Sorrow".

As they prepared to disembark, they ran into a group of TVB stars, including Charmaine Sheh, Tsui Tsz-shan, Yeung Yee, Kenneth Ma, and Roger Kwok, among whom was Wong Chung-chak.

He was dressed in a yellowish-brown color, wearing a mask, a dark suit with a light-colored knit sweater underneath, a vintage mechanical watch, and a single ear stud.

He exudes a relaxed, "bad boy" vibe that's different from traditional formal wear! His aura is truly undeniable!!
…………

As the company's top executive, Lin Xingzhuo naturally wanted to be more enthusiastic about the newcomer, so he took the initiative to greet him, saying, "Huang Zongze?"

Huang Zongze nodded and said, "Hello. Shall we take a picture together?"

Lin Xingzhuo said, "OK!"

The two posed for a photo in front of the Sprite event organizers' autograph wall.
Huang Zongze suddenly said, "Long time no see."

Lin Xingzhuo was stunned: "What?"

Afterwards, Huang Zongze looked at the incident carefully and apologized, saying, "Sorry! Brother Zhuo! I mistook you for Wu Yanzu!"

Lin Xingzhu laughed and patted Huang Zongze on the shoulder, saying, "If you encounter any trouble at the company, just mention my name!"

Huang Zongze said with a grin, "Understood, I'll rely on Brother Zhuo for directions from now on..."

If a man is considered handsome by other men, then he truly is handsome!

…………

Lin Xingzhuo was happily showing off at a Sprite commercial event in Hong Kong.

Tiger Vision Group's attempt to acquire film industry unicorns overseas during the aftermath of last year's financial crisis has encountered major trouble in Europe!

(End of this chapter)