America: My Time

Chapter 837 Security Warning
Chapter 827 Security Warning

As soon as John finished speaking, Ye Qianwen and Wang Zuxian exchanged a glance. They were well aware of the situation and environment in Hong Kong. More and more funds were pouring into the film market, and behind these funds were many powerful figures. Almost every famous beauty had capital backing her; without someone promoting her, there was no possibility of becoming famous. Transactions had become the norm in Hong Kong's circles, and this circle was extremely realistic. So realistic that it was frightening and unsettling, forcing many to compromise and succumb.

To become famous, without the backing of capital, sacrifice, and deals, forget about it. The Hong Kong film industry at that time was incredibly dark. Even Phoenix Media experienced similar situations, because it was the norm. If you weren't willing to sacrifice, there were plenty of others willing to do so, willing to make deals. Without acquaintances with directors, background, or connections, becoming famous was just a pipe dream. Even Hong Kong beauty pageants were referred to as tycoons' selection of concubines, demonstrating the madness and darkness of this industry.

Neon darkness prevails, and Hong Kong is no better off, nor is Taiwan. It was precisely because Xiao Qiang saw the darkness within the industry when he first entered that he changed his mind. However, Wang Zuxian and Ye Qianwen are different; it is not easy for them to let go of fame and fortune.

The entertainment industry in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Japan in the 1990s was incredibly dark, and South Korea was no exception. However, South Korea wasn't as crazy as it is today. After all, they were just starting out and still needed to learn. But later, they surpassed their predecessors!

"I'm not trying to force you to give up, I'm just reminding you to be careful and not put yourselves in danger. Listen to the advice of the security personnel. You know about Wang Dehui's case. There's still no news about him. You can imagine what will happen. Even the wealthy have become targets for those guys. Do you think you're safe?"

As soon as John finished speaking, both Wang Zuxian and Ye Qianwen's expressions hardened, and they both felt a surge of fear. Although their security was comprehensive, they couldn't be absolutely certain of their safety. Even a tycoon like Wang Dehui had been kidnapped, which showed just how chaotic Hong Kong was, and there was still no result.

"Don't think that Taiwan is safe. Although the situation here is better, you still need to be vigilant. Listen to the advice of the security personnel and don't get emotional, otherwise you will only suffer!" Seeing that Xiao Qiang's expression was still calm, John reminded her again that Taiwan was not very peaceful either.

That's how it was in the 1990s. The situation in Japan was actually worse. After the property market crashed, the overall environment in Japan became incredibly chaotic, the dark forces became incredibly rampant, and all sorts of problems emerged. The overall environment affects everything. Hong Kong was caused by the British; they were the ones who pushed it forward. Japan's problems stemmed from the economic crisis. Of the three, Taiwan was the best, at least in John's eyes; at least they hadn't gone as crazy as Hong Kong.

John also knew about Wang Dehui's situation, but only from what he had learned in later years. However, in John's view, the trouble was entirely Wang Dehui's own doing. Even after being kidnapped once, he remained ignorant and foolish, unwilling to invest more in security. Therefore, it was reasonable for him to be kidnapped. In chaotic times, if you don't pay attention to security yourself, how can those crazy bandits be merciful? Not to mention that he had been targeted for years.

In fact, that's the reality in Hong Kong. The wealthy are too high-profile, lack vigilance, and don't prioritize their own security, naturally making them targets. John's extreme caution and his significant investment in building his own armed force, Jaguar Security Company, are aimed at deterring enemies and ensuring his own safety.

The chaos in Hong Kong was terrifying; it wasn't just the wealthy who were targeted, but also the big stars. Few escaped being kidnapped in the 1990s. John's deep understanding of this history stemmed from this, which is why he took it so seriously and warned Wang Zuxian and Ye Qianwen. Don't assume you're safe just because you have security personnel. In such a chaotic era, danger can strike at any moment; caution is always the best policy.

John had mentioned safety issues before, but whether anyone had taken it to heart was another matter. He'd only suddenly thought of it tonight; otherwise, he'd completely forgotten. After all, he didn't have the energy for such trivial matters, and he'd always maintained excellent personal safety. However, judging from the behavior of these three beautiful women, it was clear they hadn't listened, or at least their actions were inadequate. Perhaps they were too confident in the influence of the Phoenix Group! Xiao Qiang, Ye Qianwen, and Wang Zuxian all had this attitude, and it was likely the others were too. Over time, they'd all lowered their guard, losing their previous caution. If nothing happened, it would be fine, but if something did, it would be too late to regret it. John didn't want to see Wang Dehui's situation repeat itself for anyone around him. Being a celebrity and being too high-profile made them a target, and with the changing environment in Hong Kong, the danger was even greater.

Having never suffered a loss, they naturally wouldn't have any grievances. Even after the Wang Dehui incident, their reactions showed no concern, which wasn't a good sign. In contrast, the situation in Japan was much better. After all, something had happened there, and the dark forces there had been warned. They were closely connected to the entertainment industry and knew who to mess with and who not to mess with. But Hong Kong was different. Although there were problems in Taiwan, the situation wasn't too serious.

"Wang Dehui's case is still unresolved. Hong Kong hasn't given any explanation, and we don't know what's going on." Upon hearing John's reminder, Ye Qianwen became somewhat wary. She couldn't help but think of the situation surrounding Wang Dehui, this business tycoon. Perhaps the reason she hadn't taken it seriously before was because Hong Kong hadn't given an explanation, allowing her to harbor wishful thinking. This was also the thought in the minds of many people in Hong Kong.

"What happened? He's dead, of course. Do you think those guys are stupid? If they didn't rescue the hostage in Hong Kong immediately, he was doomed. So much time has passed, you don't think they'd keep him alive for the New Year, do you? Hong Kong doesn't have law enforcement power on the high seas. Once you take someone to international waters, those guys can't do anything about it. Several months have passed, there's no need to think too much, he's long gone. The most likely scenario is that he sank into the sea, and they won't even find his body! Don't joke around with your safety. You only have one life. Don't have any illusions, because you have no idea if taking a chance this time will attract unwanted attention. Don't trust those so-called friends in the circle too much either; you have no idea what they're thinking. If something happens, it will be too late to regret it."

John shook his head. If these three beauties were like this, the others couldn't be much better. He needed to get everyone else to Taiwan tomorrow, lest they all underestimate the situation and something bad happen. John wasn't afraid of those with connections; they knew their own strengths and weaknesses, and understood the stakes. What he feared were the desperados—those were the most dangerous, the most reckless. With the changing environment in Hong Kong, desperados and newcomers were the most dangerous. This was true in Hong Kong, and it was true in Taiwan as well. Things were a little better in Japan, since the underworld there strictly managed its underlings.

When the serious topic of safety came up, the three women stopped their previous rivalry and started thinking about the issue. After all, Wang Dehui's death had a huge impact on them. They didn't doubt John's words; so much time had passed and the man still hadn't been found, so the probability of him being dead was obvious.

Even a tycoon like Wang Dehui met such an end. If women like them were to encounter such circumstances, their fate would likely be even worse, because their beauty would be their greatest danger, subjecting them to even more suffering. Such a thing is not impossible; it will happen in Taiwan in the future, not to mention Hong Kong.

“Dead? They were just robbing people, how could they kill someone?” A look of horror appeared on Wang Zuxian’s face. For someone like her, this outcome was too terrible. Although she had heard many things in the industry, none of them had anything to do with her. But when she suddenly heard John mention Wang Dehui’s death, she couldn’t bear it.

"Robbery doesn't mean they won't kill. Don't overestimate the humanity of those guys, nor the lure of money. Once the news leaks, murder and ransom killings are the most normal things to do. You should know what the situation is like in Hong Kong, especially in the entertainment industry. Do you think any of them have the ability to resist? Don't overestimate the power of Phoenix Group, and don't underestimate those short-statured guys. The newcomers are the most dangerous, and there are quite a few desperate criminals in Hong Kong! Wang Dehui is the best example. He brought this upon himself. He was kidnapped once, yet he didn't learn his lesson and was careless about security. It's no wonder he got into trouble. Do you really think Hong Kong is so great, or that the British have enough power to intimidate you? You all have security personnel. As long as you listen to them, nothing will happen. Don't put yourself in danger for convenience or other reasons. That's playing with your life. Think about what would happen if you fell into the hands of those guys. Sometimes, beauty can be the greatest danger!"

(End of this chapter)