Rebirth in Hong Kong: From Dessert Shop to Industrial Empire

Chapter 227 Background (Seeking monthly votes, recommendations, and subscriptions!)
"continue."

However, Chen Bingwen did not rush to express his opinion, but instead let Gu Yongxian continue speaking.

"However, compared to funding issues, the biggest obstacle is indeed compliance."

Gu Yongxian pointed to the documents, "I have spoken with several senior lawyers who are familiar with broadcasting regulations."

Acquiring control of a free-to-air television license requires rigorous review by the Advisory Committee on Television Broadcasting.

There are several key requirements:
First, the financial strength and source of funds of the new shareholders must be clear and legal;
Second, it is necessary to demonstrate the ability to turn around the television station's business situation and to have a detailed program production and investment plan;
Third, and most importantly, the Hong Kong government will be very cautious about free-to-air television stations that are not British-owned, especially those controlled by Chinese capital.

They were worried it would affect the independence of the program's editors.

Upon hearing these three requirements, Chen Bingwen frowned.

Funding is not a problem, and a business plan can be made very well.

However, the issue of "background" is indeed an unavoidable hurdle.

He is currently riding high, but he is essentially still an emerging Chinese businessman, and his relationship with the Hong Kong British government is far less than that of those established British trading companies or certain well-established Chinese families.

Given their recent close ties with China Resources, they might actually be excluded from the Television Broadcasting Affairs Advisory Committee for this very reason.

"Is there a way to circumvent or mitigate the third requirement?"

"Yes, but it requires action." Gu Yongxian had clearly thought about this issue. "We can adopt a step-by-step strategy."

In the first phase, negotiate the acquisition under the name of an offshore company registered in Bermuda or the Cayman Islands with a complex equity structure, while minimizing the involvement of Sugarheart Capital and your personal affiliation.

At the same time, an influential 'independent' director should be brought into the acquisition team, preferably a British national or a prominent figure with a strong British financial background. This person would lead the negotiations and the initial management, serving as a buffer and a guarantee.

After the acquisition is completed and the television station's operations stabilize for one or two years, a gradual restructuring of the shareholding will be carried out to achieve true control.

"Independent Directors - Buffer"

Chen Bingwen seemed to be deep in thought.

This is indeed a solution.

Find a suitable front or a white glove to stabilize the regulatory authorities and public opinion during the initial review period.

"Is there a specific candidate?"

Chen Bingwen knew that since Gu Yongxian had brought up this method, he must already have a candidate in mind.

“There are several,” Gu Yongxian introduced, “and the most suitable candidate is Sir Morris, the former Director of the Information Services of the Hong Kong Government and now a public relations consultant for a British-owned conglomerate.”

He's recently retired, still has connections, and maintains an independent image. Crucially, his financial situation seems average, so he'd likely be interested in offers that could bring substantial compensation.

"You can handle this secretly. You can make contact with them first to ascertain their intentions."

After listening to Gu Yongxian's introduction, Chen Bingwen thought for a moment and then instructed, "At the same time, we can also start contacting the parent company of RTV. First, express our intentions and test how strong their intention to sell RTV really is."

After Gu Yongxian left, Chen Bingwen picked up the information about RTV and examined it carefully.

Acquiring a television station is a risky but potentially very rewarding move.

This is not just a business deal, but a strategic pivot.

Controlling RTV was tantamount to having a mouthpiece that reached every household in Hong Kong.

In the future, new product launches by Chenji Foods, promotion of real estate projects in Qingzhou Yingni, and promotional activities by Watsons can all be carried out through this platform in the most direct and extensive way, significantly reducing advertising costs while multiplying the effects.

More importantly, at critical moments, this platform can become a powerful tool for making one's voice heard and influencing public opinion, and its value is immeasurable in monetary terms.

Moreover, after the acquisition, the television station can be gradually internationalized, and one or two satellite channels can be leased to upgrade it into a satellite television station, extending the television signal coverage to a wider area. The resulting influence will grow exponentially.

This investment is worth the risk.

Just as I was thinking, Ali knocked on the door and came in to report that Jackie Chan had arrived and wanted to report to him in person on the film's opening week box office performance.

"Invite him in."

Chen Bingwen nodded in agreement.

A moment later, Cheng Long walked in excitedly, his face beaming with barely suppressed joy.

"Mr. Chen! The opening week box office for 'Young Master' is out: 2.7 million! It breaks the opening week record of Golden Harvest Cinemas!"

Upon seeing Chen Bingwen, Cheng Long couldn't wait to share the good news with him.

HK$270 million in the first week!
This figure is even better than Chen Bingwen had expected.

It seems that Jackie Chan's box office appeal is indeed starting to show.

"Very good, thank you for your hard work." Chen Bingwen nodded in satisfaction. "How's the audience's feedback?"

"Very good! Most of the reviews in the newspapers are positive, and the audience's word-of-mouth is also very good."

Mr. Zou said he plans to increase the number of screenings and strive to push the total box office past ten million!

Cheng Long said with a smile.

"Don't worry, I will!"

Chen Bingwen smiled and affirmed.

"Young Master" once topped the Hong Kong box office in 1980 with a total box office revenue of HK$11 million.

Although the release date has been moved up by a few months, it still grossed HK$2.7 million in its opening week, and there's absolutely no problem with it breaking HK$10 million in total box office revenue in Hong Kong.

Cheng Long was very pleased to receive Chen Bingwen's affirmation.

"Mr. Chen, shall we start preparing for the new play now?"

"I have an idea. I want to make a kung fu comedy set in the early Republican era, similar in style to 'The Young Master,' but with a grander story." Seeing Cheng Lung's eager expression, Chen Bingwen knew that his creative passion had been ignited by the booming box office.

“We can start brainstorming ideas for the new play,” Chen Bingwen affirmed, “but there’s no need to rush.”

First, we need to finish the remaining work on this project. Then, we should hold a grand celebration banquet to make everyone happy.

"Give me a draft of the script for the new movie, and I'll give it some feedback. Don't worry about funding; Weilong will fully support you."

"Thank you, Mr. Chen!" Cheng Long said gratefully. "I will definitely not let you down!"

After seeing Cheng Long off, Chen Bingwen thought to himself that although film and television business was not the main business at present, if Cheng Long was used well, he could play an unexpected role in brand promotion and cultural influence in the future.

It seems necessary to find a knowledgeable producer or manager to be specifically responsible for the daily operations of Weilong Films; we can't always be the ones directly involved.

In the evening, Chen Bingwen, unusually, left work on time and returned to his home in Deep Water Bay.

Father Chen Guofu was sitting on the sofa in the living room reading the newspaper, while mother Wang Qiaozhen was busy in the kitchen.

After moving into this mansion, my parents were initially a little uncomfortable, but they gradually got used to the quiet and comfortable environment.

Chen Bingwen specially hired a chef and servants, but Wang Qiaozhen still liked to cook for herself from time to time, making a few home-style dishes.

"Awen's back?" Wang Qiaozhen poked her head out from the kitchen. "I made your favorite lotus root and pork rib soup today. Dinner will be ready soon."

"Okay," Chen Bingwen replied, sitting down next to his father.

Chen Guofu put down his newspaper and looked at his son: "You seem less busy lately? You've been able to come home for dinner on time."

"Hmm, take a breather." Chen Bingwen smiled.

He knew his father cared about him and was worried that he was overworked.

“Your mother and I don’t understand business matters, and we can’t help much,” Chen Guofu said calmly. “We just worry that your health won’t be able to handle seeing you so busy all the time.”

Money can never be earned enough, but health is the most important thing.

"I know, Dad, I'll be careful."

Despite his current net worth of hundreds of millions, in his parents' eyes, he will always be the son who needs their care.

During the meal, Wang Qiaozhen kept putting food on her son's plate while rambling on about the trivial things she had talked about with her neighbors at her old shop in Sham Shui Po during the day: "Aunt Xia's son next door got a job at HSBC, and his salary seems to be quite good."
Lan, who sells fruit, has a daughter who married a Chinese Canadian and is preparing to immigrate.

And then there's Uncle Li, who used to come and help out all the time. His grandson is a very bright student; he got into the medical school at the University of Hong Kong…

Chen Bingwen listened quietly, occasionally chiming in with a few words of support for Wang Qiaozhen.

This homely, down-to-earth atmosphere made him enjoy the meal immensely.

“Oh, right, Wen,” Wang Qiaozhen suddenly remembered something, “I ran into Aunt Zhen the other day, and she asked about you. She also mentioned that her niece just returned from studying in England and wanted to introduce you two…”

She spoke while observing her son's expression.

Chen Bingwen paused for a moment as he ate his rice.

"Mom, I'm busy with my career right now, I don't have time to think about these things."

"Career is important, but starting a family is important too," Wang Qiaozhen muttered to herself. Seeing that her son didn't respond, she had no choice but to change the subject. "Alright, alright, let's not talk about that. Was the soup good?"

"Delicious." Chen Bingwen took a big gulp to show his appreciation.

He understood his mother's thoughts. According to the customs of the time, many young men his age already had children old enough to run errands.

However, with Chen's business on multiple fronts now, which are crucial to its future success or failure, he truly has no time to spare for this.

After dinner, Chen Bingwen accompanied his parents to drink tea in the living room.

He felt a pang of emotion as he looked at his parents' increasingly gray hair.

Although it won't allow parents to get up early to hold their grandchildren, it will allow them to see their relatives on the mainland sooner.

Thinking of this, he put down his teacup and said, "Dad, Mom, there's something I need to tell you."

Both elders looked at him.

"The policies on the mainland have recently been relaxed a bit. I asked a friend at China Resources to help me apply."

It is estimated that approval should be granted by the end of the year at the earliest, or by next spring at the latest.

"I'll arrange for someone to accompany you back to your hometown to visit relatives."

Upon hearing this, Chen Guofu and Wang Qiaozhen were both stunned.

Wang Qiaozhen's hand trembled, and she almost dropped the teacup. Her voice trembled slightly as she asked, "Really...really? We can go back?"

"Yes, it shouldn't be a big problem." Chen Bingwen nodded. "It's mainly for visiting relatives, so the procedures will be a bit complicated, but China Resources has connections that can help coordinate."

Chen Guofu took a deep breath, his eyes filled with complex emotions—expectation mixed with the trepidation of returning home: "After all these years, I don't know what my hometown has become, or which relatives are still there."

"We'll know when we get back," Chen Bingwen said calmly. "Take lots of photos when we get back."

"Maybe when the policies become more relaxed, we can bring my grandparents to stay with us for a while."

Wang Qiaozhen's eyes reddened slightly. "Good, good, it's good that I can go back and visit. Your grandparents would be so happy if they knew."

Seeing his parents' excited yet saddened expressions, Chen Bingwen didn't say anything more.

Arranging for his parents to visit relatives in the mainland was not only a way to fulfill his filial duty, but also a strategic move in his long-term plan.

This private channel allows for a more natural maintenance of connections with the mainland, paving the way for deeper cooperation in the future.

(End of this chapter)