Rebirth in Hong Kong: From Dessert Shop to Industrial Empire

Chapter 226 Asia TV (Seeking monthly tickets, recommendations, and subscriptions!)
As the movie ended and the lights came on, a warm and sustained round of applause rang out in the Lisheng Theater.

The audience wore excited and satisfied smiles, and many were still reminiscing about the exciting fight scenes and hilarious moments in the film.

Jackie Chan, along with his fellow apprentices Yuen Biao and Yuen Wah, as well as the main cast and crew, went on stage to express their gratitude.

He was so excited that he became somewhat incoherent, repeatedly bowing to the audience, his eyes slightly red.

"Thank you everyone! Thank you to all the viewers! Thank you Mr. Chen and Mr. Zou for your support!"

Many thanks to all my fellow disciples for their hard work!

His voice was choked with emotion, clearly showing that he had poured his heart and soul into the film and was under immense pressure.

Chen Bingwen applauded along with the crowd from below the stage.

He could tell that "Young Master" was more mature and exciting than the one he remembered from his previous life. Jackie Chan's unique comedic kung fu style had taken shape, the fight choreography was both thrilling and funny, and the pace was fast. It was indeed a successful commercial film.

Raymond Chow chuckled and whispered to Chan Ping-man, "Mr. Chan, Ah Long really risked his life for this performance. With him around, it seems the days of Wei Long Films dominating Hong Kong are numbered!"

Although Raymond Chow's words were a compliment, Chen Bingwen genuinely meant them.

The success of "Young Master" signifies that Wai Lung Films has initially established a foothold in the Hong Kong film industry.

Cheng Long is indeed a formidable general and deserves greater investment.

He quickly reviewed Jackie Chan's film career trajectory in his mind: next, he would use "Dragon Lord" to further solidify this early Republican era kung fu comedy style, and then he could start preparing for "Project A" to gradually shift to adventure themes in the early Republican era, preparing for larger productions and a more international perspective in the future.

As for modern action films like "Police Story," we'll have to wait until Jackie Chan's films are more mature and the market is more accepting of them.

The mainland market has just opened up, and Hong Kong films need time and opportunity to enter. We can't rush it; we have to take it one step at a time.

At the reception following the premiere, Chen Bingwen became the center of attention.

Many people from the film industry came over to chat, all trying to find out what the next move of Weilong Films would be, or hinting that they had "good projects" in their hands.

Chen Bingwen knew in his heart that few of these people genuinely wanted to cooperate; most were looking for a financial backer.

His current focus is on Hutchison Whampoa and the North American market, and he has no intention of expanding his film and television business on a large scale for the time being, nor does he want to get involved in the complicated interpersonal relationships in the Hong Kong film and television industry.

He responded to these probing questions with indifference, refusing to engage in conversation or leave the other party with any unrealistic expectations.

At this moment, Raymond Chow came over with a wine glass, his smile widening: "Mr. Chen, it seems everyone is reacting very well to Ah Long's film."

What are your plans for the future?
We at Golden Harvest have several big productions coming up next year with amazing casts. Are you interested in joining us?

Funding, theater chains, and distribution are not problems.

Chen Bingwen smiled and said, "Mr. Zou, you're too kind."

"Dragon" is just starting out, so we're only doing small-scale productions. We'll focus on promoting the film first and then see how it fares at the box office.

There will definitely be opportunities for cooperation in the future, and I will need Mr. Zou's continued support then.

Raymond Chow was met with a rebuff, but his smile remained unchanged while his mind raced.

He could tell that Chen Bingwen meant he wanted to develop independently.

However, he was not surprised. If it were him, with a star like Jackie Chan who was beginning to show his trump card potential, and plenty of capital, he would not be content to just be an investor.

He chuckled and said, "Of course, Mr. Chen has a keen eye; Weilong is sure to have a bright future."

"If you ever need anything from Jiahe in the future, just let us know."

"Definitely." Chen Bingwen raised his glass in acknowledgment, his attitude polite yet distant.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Raymond Chow turned to greet the other guests.

Chen Bingwen watched Zou Wenhuai's retreating figure and understood.

Golden Harvest may seem glamorous now, but it has many internal factions. Raymond Chow is eager to bring him on board simply to use his funds to solidify his own power and suppress the impact of Shaw Brothers.

He currently has no intention of getting too involved in the Hong Kong film industry.

Holding onto Jackie Chan as a trump card, allowing Dragon Films to develop independently and move freely, is the best strategy.

After dealing with several more groups of people who came to chat, Chen Bingwen felt that was enough and prepared to leave.

Cheng Long had been keeping an eye on him, and upon seeing this, he quickly made his way through the crowd to escort him to the theater entrance.

"Mr. Chen, thank you so much for coming today."

Without your support, this film wouldn't exist.

"You did it all yourself." Chen Bingwen patted him on the shoulder. "The film is good because of you and everyone else."

If they put more effort into follow-up promotion, the box office performance won't be bad.

"We're counting on you, don't let me down."

"Understood! I will definitely not let you down!" Cheng Long nodded emphatically.

On the way back, Chen Bingwen said to Ali, who was sitting in the passenger seat, "Have Lawyer Gu prepare so that after the box office results for 'Young Master' are settled, the bonus that should be given to Cheng Long can be transferred as soon as possible."

In addition, I will take another 5% from my share as bonuses for the core members of the production team.

He knew that to make a horse run, it had to be fed enough grass.

Especially for someone like Cheng Long who risks his life for his future, tangible benefits and respect are more effective than any empty promises. "Okay, Mr. Chen."

A few days later, Chen Bingwen was reviewing documents in his office.

At this moment, Secretary Ali informed us through an intermediary that Mr. Ma Shimin from Watson's had arrived.

"Invite him in."

Ma Shimin walked in looking energetic, holding a report in his hand.

"Mr. Chen, these are the first month's operating data for Watsons' first ten model stores after the renovation was completed. Take a look."

Chen Bingwen took the report and quickly glanced at it.

Data shows that after image upgrades, product structure adjustments, and promotions using several of Chenji's best-selling beverages to attract customers, the average transaction value and daily sales of these ten stores have increased significantly, especially those stores located in downtown areas, where sales growth exceeded 30%.

"The results are good." Chen Bingwen nodded. "What's the customer feedback like?"

“Great!” Ma Shimin said excitedly. “Young customers, in particular, are very interested in the new image and the increased selection of beauty and personal care products.”

This proves that the current direction is correct.

I plan to start the renovation of the second batch of twenty stores next month, and at the same time begin contacting potential partners in Singapore and Malaysia to explore the possibility of brand licensing or joint ventures.

"Okay, proceed according to your plan."

Regarding funding, please contact Director Fang for coordination.

Chen Bingwen was very satisfied with Ma Shimin's decisive actions. "Remember, when expanding in Southeast Asia, the model can be more flexible, but the most important thing is to be able to control the risks."

"Don't worry, Mr. Chen, I'll be careful!"

Ma Shimin received recognition and left with even greater enthusiasm.

After finishing several official tasks, Chen Bingwen rubbed his temples and his gaze fell on a newspaper clipping on the table about the possible sale of shares in "Rediffusion Television".

RTV (the predecessor of ATV) is now experiencing low viewership and has suffered losses for years. Its British parent company is indeed considering selling some or even all of its shares.

With the collapse of CTV in the second half of last year serving as a cautionary tale, RTV is now seen by many as a hot potato.

But for Chen Bingwen, RTV was like a delicious cake.

If he could, he would have swallowed it whole.

A free television license, an existing broadcasting platform, and a media channel that can directly reach millions of households.
In 1979, when information dissemination was not yet well-developed, its strategic significance should not be underestimated.

Controlling it is equivalent to having a powerful platform for public opinion and a means of communication. In the future, whether it is promoting one's own products or guiding public opinion and influencing decision-making at critical moments, one can take a great initiative.

This is far more effective and in-depth than simply placing advertisements.

Thinking of this, he pressed the internal intercom button: "Ali, please ask Attorney Gu to come over."

A few minutes later, Gu Yongxian arrived at the office.

“Attorney Gu, take a look at this.”

As he spoke, Chen Bingwen pushed the clipping over, "Rediffusion Television may be put up for sale by its British parent company due to continuous losses."

You immediately organize a team to secretly assess the feasibility, price, and potential legal and regulatory obstacles of acquiring a controlling stake in RTV.

It must be kept absolutely confidential. I don't want the information to leak out in advance, which could lead to unnecessary bidding or obstacles.

Gu Yongxian picked up the clipping and looked at it carefully. His expression became serious: "Mr. Chen from RTV, my TV station is currently suffering heavy losses. Its ratings have been suppressed by TVB. Acquiring it may require continuous investment of huge sums of money, and it will be difficult to see a return in the short term."

Furthermore, the Hong Kong government may conduct a more stringent review of changes in television station ownership, especially those involving non-British capital.

“I know there are risks and difficulties,” Chen Bingwen nodded, “but its potential value lies not in current profits, but in future influence.”

First, conduct an initial assessment, focusing on understanding the seller's true intentions, bottom line, and which steps we need to take.

Funding isn't the primary issue; compliance and strategy are key.

"Understood. I will conduct this secretly, using an offshore company registered overseas to make contact, and try to downplay the background of Sugar Heart Capital."

Gu Yongxian immediately understood Chen Bingwen's intention.

"Okay, go ahead. Report back to me immediately with the results."

Gu Yongxian acted quickly; two days later, he came to Chen Bingwen's office again.

"Mr. Chen, this is information from RTV (Rediffusion Television)."

He placed a document on the table: "The British parent company of RTV is indeed eager to divest itself. Their London headquarters is facing financial pressure and hopes to recoup funds as soon as possible."

The currently rumored price is HK$100 million for the acquisition of a 51% controlling stake.

However, this price is inflated. According to my calculations, Rediffusion Television's current net asset value is estimated to be between 60 and 70 million yuan, and it also carries a debt of about 30 million yuan.

A truly reasonable consideration for a controlling stake transaction should be around HK$40 million to HK$50 million, and should include some debt.

With 40 to 50 million, plus debt, the total cost is close to 80 million.

This is not a small amount, especially for a company that has been consistently losing money.

(End of this chapter)