Rebirth in Hong Kong: From Dessert Shop to Industrial Empire

Chapter 73 Under the Public Eye (First update of 10,000 words a day! Please vote with your monthly tickets and recommendations!)
Chen Bingwen readily accepted Wu Siyuan's overture: "Mr. Wu is very kind! Everyone at Chen's will definitely support you."

"Okay! It's a deal!" Wu Siyuan agreed with a smile, then approached Chen Bingwen and said in a low voice, "Mr. Chen, don't be fooled by the high praise from the distribution companies and media reporters present today, who have raved about 'Drunken Fist' to the skies!"
When the time actually comes to sit down and discuss distribution, these distribution companies will definitely…

Wu Siyuan made a downward pressing gesture.

"The higher they praise us now, the tougher they'll be at bargaining later," Wu Siyuan said helplessly. "Screenings and media reports can only create hype, but when it comes to actually handing over the money, their true intentions will become clear!"

Overseas distributors, in particular, have always had a love-hate relationship with Hong Kong films.

They love its low cost and high returns, but they suppress its bargaining power.

"Mr. Chen, the exclusive rights you hold for Japan and Southeast Asia will probably be driven down to rock-bottom price in their eyes."

Chen Bingwen saw that Wu Siyuan's worry was genuine and understood.

This veteran of the film industry, who has been in the business for many years, revealed at this moment a profound understanding of the cruel rules of the market and a deep lack of confidence in the future box office prospects of "Drunken Master".

The excitement of the preview screenings and the praise from the media were all fake.

Wu Siyuan's moral compass always leaned towards reality.

He has seen too many examples of critically acclaimed but commercially unsuccessful films. Although Hong Kong-produced kung fu comedies are popular, the competition is fierce and audience tastes change rapidly.

Although Jackie Chan performed exceptionally well, he was still unsure whether he could truly carry the box office torch.

“Mr. Wu,” Chen Bingwen said calmly, with a faint smile on his face, as if he had already seen through Wu Siyuan’s thoughts, “the market’s reaction will ultimately be determined by the audience’s vote with their feet.”

Publishers pushing for lower prices is common practice; it's part of their business. However…

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the lingering crowd in the screening room and Cheng Long surrounded by reporters in the distance. His voice was steady and resolute: "I have confidence in 'Drunken Master,' and even more confidence in Cheng Long."

This movie has something different about it.

It's not just about fighting; it carries a vibrant life force and a down-to-earth, everyday charm that's truly moving.

He turned to Wu Siyuan: "As for the copyright price, Mr. Wu, you don't need to worry too much."

Since I have chosen this path, I naturally have my reasons.

Publishers lower prices simply because they feel the risk is on their side.

But sometimes, the greater the risk, the higher the reward may be.

Besides..."

Chen Bingwen smiled meaningfully: "The copyright is in my hands, so the initiative is in my hands."

Whether to sell, when to sell, to whom to sell, or even how to sell, is not something to rush into.

It's not too late to talk about it after the movie is actually released and the market gives its most honest feedback.

I believe that the floor price may not be the final price at that time.

Even if the copyrights in Japan and Southeast Asia were stuck with him, Chen Bingwen could afford to lose a mere HK$200,000.

This amount of money, while not a small sum for Chen's Dessert Shop now, is by no means crippling.

Moreover, the product placement of Chan Kee Dessert in "Drunken Master" was worth far more than HK$200,000!
When "Drunken Master" sparked a movie-going frenzy in Hong Kong, "Chen's Dessert," as the only tangible comfort item in Jackie Chan's film, naturally shared in this popularity and goodwill.

The audience will remember the "Drunken Fist Kid" who fought brilliantly and laughed heartily, and whose favorite drink after a fight was Chen's Sweet Soup!

The implantation of such cultural symbols brings about a level of brand awareness and positive sentiment that no amount of hard advertising can match.

It nourishes people subtly and silently, yet deeply touches their hearts.

When viewers see the Chen Ji Dessert sign on the street or see the bottled product in the freezer of a convenience store, they may unconsciously picture Jackie Chan drinking it and hear his line.

This association is a brand's most valuable asset.

As for the copyrights in Japan and Southeast Asia?

That was icing on the cake, an unexpected delight, a casual move by Chen Bingwen.

If it succeeds, it will be a huge bonus; if it fails, it won't be a big deal.

As Wu Siyuan listened to Chen Bingwen's words and saw the composure and confidence on his face that were beyond his years, he felt a mix of complex emotions.

On the one hand, he felt that Chen Bingwen was too optimistic, even a bit idealistic like a young person, and lacked understanding of the cruelty of the film market and the shrewdness of distributors.

On the other hand, he had to admit that Chen Bingwen's calm demeanor and the statement "the initiative is in my hands" revealed his strong confidence and composure.

He was silent for a moment, then finally sighed and patted Chen Bingwen on the shoulder: "Mr. Chen, I admire your magnanimity."

I hope it's true, just as you say! If "Drunken Master" soars to great heights, we can all benefit from it.

I will do my best to negotiate a good price for the issuance.

As for the copyright on your end, you can handle that yourself. I just hope you don't suffer too much loss in the end.

Wu Siyuan's tone conveyed both admiration for Chen Bingwen's courage and a hint of advice from someone with experience to a younger generation, as well as a subtle skepticism.

Chen Bingwen smiled and didn't explain further.

At this moment, a commotion broke out on the periphery of the crowd. Cheng Long, with his signature sunny smile, "broke through" the encirclement of reporters and walked over to Chen Bingwen.

"Mr. Chen! Mr. Wu!" Cheng Long greeted them in a loud voice.

When Wu Siyuan saw Cheng Long, a smile immediately spread across his face: "Ah Long! Well done! You did a top-notch job today!"
I believe in you; this movie is sure to be a success!

He patted Cheng Long on the shoulder again and nodded to Chen Bingwen, "Mr. Chen, you young people chat, I'll go and greet a few old friends."

After saying that, he tactfully walked away.

"Mr. Chen, there were so many people earlier, I didn't have a chance to properly thank you!" Cheng Long was very respectful to Chen Bingwen, and his tone was sincere. "The fact that 'Drunken Master' was able to be filmed so quickly and had such a smooth test screening is all thanks to your support!"

He took two bottles of chilled Chen Ji coconut sago pudding from the waiter's tray next to him and handed one to Chen Bingwen.

Chen Bingwen smiled and took the bottle, unscrewed the cap, and took a symbolic sip: "It's because you acted well and Director Yuan directed well."

"Why are you thanking me?" "Without your 200,000 yuan in funding, this movie would never have been completed so quickly."

"And," Cheng Long scratched his head and said gratefully, "When I was injured during filming, you made a point of letting me rest and recover. Even though it delayed the filming schedule, you didn't rush me. Mr. Wu said you are truly kind and righteous."

Not to mention, if it weren't for your suggestion.

As he spoke, Cheng Long subconsciously touched the area around his eyes. Although there were still faint, newly healed marks there, his overall spirit and energy were completely different.

"It's no trouble at all; your health is the most important thing." Chen Bingwen waved his hand and asked casually, "Is the work on 'Drunken Master' almost done? Wu Sheng and Director Yuan are overseeing the post-production."

What are your plans next? Are you planning to strike while the iron is hot and take on another new role?

Cheng Long's smile froze for a moment, then a faint, bitter smile appeared on his face.

He looked around and lowered his voice: "Mr. Chen, as you know, my contract is with Mr. Luo Wei."

He paused, his voice tinged with a hint of frustration and self-deprecation: "Once I finish filming 'Drunken Master,' I reckon I'll have to go back to Boss Luo's place again."

As for what to film... well, we'll just film whatever Boss Luo arranges. Anyway…

Cheng Long picked up the Chen's dessert bottle and unconsciously stroked its surface, his expression slightly gloomy, with a hint of resignation.

"I'm just a tool."

Boss Luo rented me out to Mr. Wu to film "Drunken Master." Now that "Drunken Master" is almost finished, I've been used up, so naturally I have to be returned, waiting to be rented out to someone else next time.

Cheng Long spoke the word "rent" with particular emphasis, and Chen Bingwen could clearly sense his resentment and dissatisfaction with the status quo.

Chen Bingwen listened quietly, showing neither surprise nor sympathy, but looking directly into Cheng Long's eyes, "Tools?"

Chen Bingwen's voice was not loud, but it was exceptionally clear: "Ah Long, whether you are a tool or not is never up to others to decide."

Cheng Long paused slightly and looked at Chen Bingwen.

Chen Bingwen held up a bottle of sugar water with the "Chen Ji" logo on it, saying, "A good movie is like a good cup of sugar water."

Having good ingredients and a good chef is not enough.

Most importantly, it has a flavor that directly captures people's hearts and leaves them wanting more.

And this flavor relies on the chef, and also on those few key, unique ingredients that are the finishing touch.

His gaze settled on Cheng Long's face again: "What Boss Luo values ​​is probably your martial arts foundation and your strength. He thinks that as long as the movements are beautiful, that's enough."

But what Wu Sheng and I saw in this "Drunken Master" was your overwhelming vitality, the kind of down-to-earth portrayal of ordinary people, and the genuine emotions that made the audience laugh and cry along with you.

These are the core ingredients that truly set you apart from others!

"Tools can be replaced, but core materials cannot; they are unique!"

Chen Bingwen's tone became more forceful, each word like a hammer blow to Cheng Long's heart, "You feel like you're being rented out because your unique value hasn't been truly discovered and fully realized."

But after *Drunken Master*, things were completely different.

Chen Bingwen pointed confidently to the direction where the movie had ended but the entrance was still bustling, "When this movie is officially released, all the lights, the spotlight, and the praise will eventually be focused on one person."

That's you, Jackie Chan! Audiences will remember your portrayal of Wong Fei-hung!

By then, you'll be more than just an action actor; you'll be a true star who can carry the box office and has a huge audience appeal!

“Gold will always shine.” Chen Bingwen looked at Cheng Long and encouraged him, “Drunken Master is just the beginning.”

What you need now is just a little more patience to weather the storm a bit longer.

As long as you remember your unique value, protect it, and make good use of it, the stage that truly belongs to you can never be taken away by anyone.

Even Boss Luo won't do.

Chen Bingwen's words instantly dispelled the gloom in Cheng Long's heart, allowing him to see another possibility: a future where he could control his own destiny, unleash his full potential, and shine brightly.

He unconsciously tightened his grip on the sugar water bottle and nodded heavily, saying, "Mr. Chen, I understand!"
I've remembered everything you said! Gold always shines! I will do my utmost! I will never let you down! Nor will I let down those who have faith in me!

Just then, a reporter recognized them and excitedly ran over with a camera: "Mr. Chen! Ah Long! Can we take a picture together? Let's talk about 'Drunken Master'."

Chen Bingwen smiled slightly, patted Cheng Long on the shoulder, and gestured for him to face the spotlight.

Jackie Chan quickly composed himself, his infectious smile returning to his face. "Great! Thanks for coming!"

"Crack! Click!"

The flashing lights illuminated Chen Bingwen's calm smile and Cheng Long's signature sunny grin.

The two stood side by side, each holding a bottle of sweet soup bearing the eye-catching "Chen Ji" logo. Cheng Long's was mango pomelo sago, while Chen Bingwen's was coconut milk sago.

"Boss Chen, Ah Long, look over here! Smile!"

Are you two confident about the box office performance of "Drunken Master"?

"Mr. Chen, will you increase your investment in movies in the future?"

The reporters bombarded the reporters with questions.

Throughout, Chen Bingwen maintained a polite smile and responded with a few simple pleasantries: "Drunken Master is a good movie. Director Yuen and Jackie Chan both put in a lot of effort, and I believe the audience will like it."

Chan Kee is delighted to be a part of this and to contribute to Hong Kong cinema.

He skillfully steered the conversation back to the film itself, without delving too much into the details of the business collaboration.

Jackie Chan, facing the camera, chatted about fun anecdotes from filming and action choreography, occasionally raising a bowl of mango pomelo sago: "After a fight, a bowl of Chan's sweet soup is really great! It quenches your thirst and refreshes you! Everyone should try it!"

His natural movements and words prompted the reporters to snap photos again.

After the group photo, Chen Bingwen exchanged a few brief pleasantries with Wu Siyuan, Cheng Long, and others before taking his leave.

(End of this chapter)