Rebirth in Hong Kong: From Dessert Shop to Industrial Empire

Chapter 178 Dragon Film Studio (Seeking monthly votes, recommendations, and subscriptions!)
A few minutes later, two black cars were parked downstairs at the company.

Zhao Gang drove the first car himself, with a stern-looking team member in the passenger seat.

Chen Bingwen got into the back seat.

In the car behind, sat Liu Ermeng and six other veterans from the mainland.

The car engine roared as it quickly merged into the evening traffic and sped toward the address on Waterloo Road provided by Cheng Long.

The atmosphere inside the car was heavy; no one spoke.

Zhao Gang focused on driving, occasionally glancing at the road conditions and Chen Bingwen's expression through the rearview mirror.

Soon, the car arrived at the apartment building where Cheng Long lived.

Chen Bingwen instructed the people in the other car to wait downstairs and spread out to keep an eye on the surroundings, while he himself, along with Zhao Gang and two other highly skilled veterans as security guards, quickly went upstairs.

Upon arriving at the floor where Cheng Long's apartment was located, one could hear the swearing and the banging on the iron gate from afar.

Four or five men, all wearing black tight-fitting T-shirts, with broad shoulders, thick waists, and fierce expressions, were gathered around the entrance of Cheng Long's apartment. One of them was kicking the security door so hard that the door frame was shaking.

"What are you doing!" Zhao Gang shouted in a low voice, like a thunderclap, echoing in the corridor.

The group of people were startled and turned around abruptly.

Upon seeing Zhao Gang's imposing figure, cold and sharp eyes, the two equally capable veterans behind him, and Chen Bingwen staring at them with a cold face, their momentum faltered.

"Where do you guys come from?"
"Stop meddling in other people's business!" the leader, a man with a scar on his face, shouted boldly, but fear was already showing in his eyes.

Chen Bingwen ignored him completely and said directly to Zhao Gang, "Clear the area."

Without saying a word, Zhao Gang drew his triangular bayonet and, along with two companions, pressed forward.

The other party tried to make another move, but Zhao Gang and his men moved extremely quickly and ruthlessly, quickly subduing the leader, the "scarred-faced" man, and bringing him to the ground.

Seeing that things were going badly, the others knew they had run into a tough opponent. They dared not linger any longer, helped their companion up, left behind a few polite words like "you just wait and see," and ran downstairs in a sorry state.

Zhao Gang stepped forward, knocked on the door, and said in a deep voice, "Mr. Cheng, this is Zhao Gang. The boss is here. Everything's alright."

After a while, the door lock clicked open, and Cheng Long's pale, terrified face appeared through the crack in the door.

When he saw Chen Bingwen outside the door, his eyes reddened, and his voice choked with emotion: "Mr. Chen! You...you've finally come!"

Chen Bingwen walked into the room and patted Cheng Long on the shoulder: "Let's go inside and talk."

He gestured for Zhao Gang and the others to stay outside and keep watch.

After entering the house, Cheng Long recounted what had happened, still shaken.

It turns out that after his self-directed and self-acted film "The Fearless Hyena" became a box office success, he completely shed the label of "the second Bruce Lee" and his value increased significantly.

This made Luo Wei even more unwilling to let him go. He not only maliciously increased the termination fee to an astronomical figure of 1000 million, but also sent people to threaten him today, saying that if he did not sign a new contract or obey, he would be in trouble. He even mentioned things like "breaking off a leg".

"Brother Wen, Luo Wei is trying to kill me! 1000 million, where am I supposed to get that kind of money? They're trying to take my life!"

Cheng Long was both angry and scared, and his body was still trembling slightly.

Chen Bingwen poured him a glass of water and gently comforted him, "Don't scare yourself."

The 1000 million yuan penalty for breach of contract is a unilateral price increase by Luo Wei, which is baseless and has no legal basis whatsoever.

His resorting to such despicable means only shows that he's desperate and has no other options.

I will have Attorney Gu handle this matter and resolve it through legal channels. He will know what's what.

"As for your safety," he hesitated for a moment, then said to Zhao Gang at the door, "Zhao Gang, transfer two people from the security department, the ones who are good at fighting and quick-witted, to follow Ah Long 24 hours a day starting today to ensure his absolute safety."

Until this matter is completely resolved.

"Yes, boss." Zhao Gang immediately took out his walkie-talkie and began making arrangements.

Upon hearing this, Cheng Long finally breathed a long sigh of relief, and said with tears of gratitude, "Mr. Chen, thank you so much this time! I...I really didn't know..."

“Alright,” Chen Bingwen interrupted him, “we’re friends, so of course I won’t abandon you.”

This matter must be resolved as soon as possible; it can't be delayed any longer. Remember, you are now the spokesperson for Chen's Company; no one can touch you.

After calming Cheng Long down and leaving two bodyguards behind, Chen Bingwen, Zhao Gang, and the others left the apartment.

Sitting in the car on his way back to the company, Chen Bingwen rubbed his temples.

The conflicts in the entertainment industry were more troublesome than he had anticipated. Luo Wei's stubborn and persistent approach, though unseemly, was indeed disgusting.

However, Cheng Long, this future cash cow and living brand, must be preserved.

Next, we need to have a good discussion with Gu Yongxian about how to completely resolve the problem of Luo Wei.

The next morning, as soon as Chen Bingwen arrived at the company, he asked his secretary to invite legal counsel Gu Yongxian to his office.

Gu Yongxian arrived quickly. "Mr. Chen, good morning."

Why did you summon me so urgently? What do you need me for?

After inviting him to sit down, Chen Bingwen told Gu Yongxian the whole story about the contract dispute between Cheng Long and Luo Wei, including Luo Wei unilaterally altering and increasing the penalty for breach of contract to HK$1000 million, and the incident of sending people to threaten him last night.

After listening, Gu Yongxian showed a disdainful smile and said in a relaxed tone, "Mr. Chen, this kind of trick of trying to control artists with a few old contracts and even resorting to underhanded methods is not new in the industry."

Luo Wei is a bully who preys on the weak and fears the strong. He appears fierce, but in reality, he is all bark and no bite.

Such underhanded tactics have no legal basis whatsoever.

Contract alterations, especially those involving such large sums of money, are worthless without the signatures of both parties.

Given his use of gang members to intimidate and threaten, if this really goes to court, it's likely that Luo Wei himself will end up in jail.

"So, there's no major problem?" Chen Bingwen confirmed.

“It’s not just small,” Gu Yongxian said casually, “it’s a piece of cake.”

Mr. Chen, leave this matter to me.

"Don't worry, I guarantee that within three days, I'll make sure Luo Wei obediently terminates his contract and never dares to harass Mr. Cheng Long again."

Hearing Gu Yongxian's firm promise, Chen Bingwen felt reassured.

He knew Gu Yongxian's capabilities; if he said three days, he would never drag it out to the fourth.

However, considering Cheng Long's future career development in the industry and the need to quell the incident as soon as possible, Chen Bingwen added: "Attorney Gu, I trust your abilities."

However, it's always good to leave room for maneuver in the future.

If Lo Wei is willing to terminate the contract readily, we can give him some financial compensation as a way of repaying the favor of bringing Jackie Chan back to Hong Kong Island, to prevent him from becoming desperate and spreading negative rumors about Jackie Chan.

He pondered for a moment and said, "Let's limit the compensation to HK$200 million."

You can discuss the specifics.

Gu Yongxian nodded knowingly: "Understood, a combination of soft and hard tactics will be more effective."

Let him know what's what, but also give him a way out.

"No problem, Mr. Chen, I'll take care of it."

After seeing Gu Yongxian off, Chen Bingwen leaned back in his chair, contemplating Cheng Long's future.

After terminating his contract with Lo Wei, Jackie Chan became a free agent.

In his previous life, Raymond Chow of Golden Harvest spent HK$450 million to "buy" Jackie Chan's contract from Lo Wei.

Now, because of his intervention, Jackie Chan will regain his freedom ahead of schedule, which is undoubtedly a huge opportunity.

Chen Bingwen was well aware of Jackie Chan's future box office appeal and international influence. Simply signing him to make his own films was one option, but there might be better choices.

Since we know that Jackie Chan is destined to succeed, why not forge a deeper bond and maximize his future profits for ourselves?
Instead of having Jackie Chan join other large companies, it would be better to invest in a film and television company together with Jackie Chan.

With Jackie Chan at the core, the planner uses his foresight to select and plan future blockbuster film projects for him, avoiding those that will perform poorly at the box office.

In this way, the benefits will far exceed simple film fees or endorsement deals.

With that thought in mind, he no longer hesitated and picked up the phone to call Cheng Long.

"Ah Long, it's me. Are you free now?"
"Come to my company; I have something important I'd like to discuss with you."

About an hour later, Cheng Long arrived at Chen Bingwen's office, escorted by bodyguards arranged by Zhao Gang.

After a night's rest and with the added security, he looked much better, but there was still a hint of lingering fear in his eyes.

"Mr. Chen, you were looking for me?" Cheng Long asked after sitting down.

"Ah Long, I've handed over Luo Wei's matter to Attorney Gu Yongxian to handle."

It should be resolved in three days at the latest.

Chen Bingwen first reassured him.

Cheng Long breathed a sigh of relief and thanked him repeatedly, "Thank you, Mr. Chen! I've troubled you again."

"Don't be so formal." Chen Bingwen waved his hand and got to the point. "I called you here to talk about your plans after you terminate your contract."

What do you think?

Cheng Long scratched his head and said honestly, "Mr. Chen, to be honest, I was only thinking about how to get rid of Luo Wei before, and I didn't think that far ahead."

"Maybe I'll see if any other film companies are willing to sign me."

"Have you ever thought about being your own boss?" Chen Bingwen looked at him and made the suggestion directly.

"Be your own boss?" Cheng Long was stunned for a moment and didn't react immediately.

“Yes,” Chen Bingwen said seriously, “Let’s invest together and establish your own film company.”

You'll be in charge of filming, creating, and performing; I'll handle the funding, operations, and behind-the-scenes support.

The company's resources are all allocated around you, and movies are tailor-made just for you.

what do you think? "

This suggestion made Jackie Chan's heart skip a beat.

Starting his own company and being his own boss was a temptation he had never dared to seriously consider.

This means greater autonomy, higher profit sharing, and a business platform that truly belongs to you.

But he also had concerns: "Brother Wen, starting a company is no small matter. It requires a lot of money and management skills. I'm afraid I can't do it."

Chen Bingwen smiled and explained to him, "You don't need to worry about the money; I'll take care of it."

In terms of management, I will assemble a professional team to be responsible for the company's daily operations, so you only need to focus on what you do best: making good movies.

Moreover, with your own company, you will no longer be subject to others, and things like what happened to Luo Wei will never happen again.

You can create entirely according to your own ideas.

He paused, then added the most crucial point: "I own 55% of the company's equity, and you own 45%. You contribute your future film fees and brand value as equity."

In this way, you can directly receive nearly half of every penny the company earns, which is far more worthwhile than simply receiving a film fee.

More importantly, this is your own business.

As Cheng Long listened to Chen Bingwen's description, his breathing became rapid.

Self-sufficiency, high returns, your own platform, and the guarantee provided by a powerful partner like Chen Bingwen—all of this is incredibly attractive.

He was never one to be subservient to others. He had been suppressed by the contract and Luo Wei before, but now that he had such a chance to turn the tables and become the master, how could he not be tempted?
"Mr. Chen, are you telling the truth?"

Cheng Long's voice trembled slightly with excitement.

“Of course it’s true.” Chen Bingwen nodded firmly. “When have I ever lied to you?”

This is a win-win situation for both of us. You can realize your filmmaking dreams, and I, seeing potential in your future, consider this a very promising investment.

“Okay! Mr. Chen, I’ll do what you say!” Cheng Long nodded vigorously without hesitation. “Let’s do it together!”

Seeing that Cheng Long agreed, Chen Bingwen was also very happy: "Then it's settled."

I will have my lawyer and accountant handle the specific procedures and contracts.

What are your thoughts on a company name?

Cheng Long thought for a moment and said, "Mr. Chen, you decide. You're more cultured."

Chen Bingwen did not refuse. After a moment's thought, he said, "Let's call it 'Weilong Film Industry'. We'll take the 'dragon' from your name, which means that the company and you will both dominate the film industry."

"Dragon Pictures. Great! What a great name! It's impressive!" Jackie Chan really liked the name.

“Okay!” Chen Bingwen didn’t like to drag things out and said directly, “The first thing to do after the company is established is to launch a new project.”

I have a movie story idea that I think would be perfect for your current style and image.

"Oh? Mr. Chen, tell us about it!" Cheng Long perked up immediately upon hearing there was a new play.

Chen Bingwen recalled "The Junior Brother Takes the Field," one of Cheng Long's early representative works from his previous life.

This film blends kung fu, comedy, and acrobatics, showcasing Jackie Chan's skills and affability, making it an excellent choice to solidify his "kung fu comedy" style.

He roughly outlined the story: A young martial arts student (junior brother) gets involved in a dispute in order to help his master or senior brother. A series of unexpected and hilarious events unfold, and he ultimately resolves the problem with his wisdom and kung fu.

The focus is on highlighting the humorous fight scenes and the inspirational story of ordinary people.

"That's roughly the story. You can work with the screenwriter to add more details and jokes."

What do you think of this direction?

Chen Bingwen asked.

Cheng Long's eyes lit up as he listened.

This is exactly the style he likes; it's both funny and exciting, consistent with the style that made him successful with "The Fearless Fist," and it seems to offer even more room for development.

"Great, Mr. Chen! I really like this story framework! I think it can work!"

Jackie Chan rubbed his hands excitedly, already starting to imagine some hilarious action scenes in his mind.

“Alright.” Chen Bingwen made the decision. “The first project after the establishment of Weilong Pictures is this movie, tentatively titled ‘Junior Brother Takes the Field’.”

What kind of directors and actors do you need? Make a list.

I'll have someone find a screenwriter, but you must be involved in the entire scriptwriting process to ensure it suits your performance style.

Don't worry about the funding; I will guarantee it fully.

"Understood! Don't worry, Mr. Chen, I will do my best!"

Cheng Long felt full of energy, and the gloom from before was swept away.

He could almost see a star-studded avenue that belonged to him unfolding before his eyes.

(End of this chapter)