1979: The child's mother is a celestial being.

Chapter 164 Taking Down Chenglong (Please Subscribe!)
The official agency that manages films in Hong Kong is now called the Film, Television and Entertainment Services Department.

The leader sent this morning to meet with Chen Fusheng and his colleagues was named Huang Gangsheng. He was the second-in-command of their unit and also a deputy division-level leader.

“Mr. Chan, Hong Kong is a very open and inclusive place. I also know that your films are very popular in Hong Kong. Our Hong Kong government always welcomes excellent directors like Mr. Chan to film in Hong Kong, but…”

At this point, Huang Gangsheng glanced down at the weapons list compiled by Chen Fusheng and the others, frowned, and said:

"You're actually using tanks and planes in your film? To be honest, that's a bit too much. Our department can't make that decision. I have to go back and report it. I guess it will only be possible if the Governor of Hong Kong approves."

"Director Huang, how long will this process take?"

"It will take one or two days if things go quickly, and two or three days if things go slowly. What, Mr. Chen, are you in a hurry?"

"It's alright, mainly because I went back over the weekend, and I thought I'd get things settled in the next few days, which would make me feel more at ease."

Huang Gangsheng said, "Mr. Chen, you came to Hong Kong the day before yesterday, right? Are you going back so soon? Why don't you stay in Hong Kong for a few more days?"

"Sigh, there are a ton of things going on back home too, there's nothing I can do."

"The fact that the capable are given more work shows that Mr. Chen is highly valued by your country."

"That's too much, that's too much. I'm just a movie actor."

"Mr. Chen is being too modest..."

The negotiations were held at a five-star hotel in Hong Kong. After the talks, the two sides had a meal and then parted ways at the hotel entrance.

Of course, Chen Fusheng paid for the meal.

"How much did it cost?" Chen Fusheng asked casually after Ling Zi finished paying the bill at the hotel entrance.

"Fifteen thousand eight."

Lingzi handed over the bill.

Chen Fusheng took it and glanced at it, then spat: "Damn it, this guy surnamed Huang is a smiling tiger. He ordered the most expensive wine at the meal, and he even took two bottles when he left. If he just takes it and doesn't do anything, I'll make him spit out everything he ate today, with interest, sooner or later."

Ling Zi chuckled and patted Chen Fusheng on the shoulder, saying, "Take it easy. This is the reality of Hong Kong's officialdom. If you want them to do things, you have to spend money first."

"I know, that's why I'm smiling and seeing them to the door. I was saying, if he just accepts the gift but doesn't do anything..."

"He dares!"

Ling Zi interrupted Chen Fusheng, a cold glint flashing in her eyes: "If he dares to do that, I won't get your hands dirty; I'll have someone teach him a lesson directly."

Chen Fusheng wouldn't dare say these words, but they came out of Ling Zi's mouth without the slightest sense of incongruity.

"Haha, I almost forgot about your background, Sister Ling."

Ling Zi just smiled, and when the driver pulled up in front of her, she opened the door and got in with Chen Fusheng.

After getting in the car, Lingzi changed the subject: "Going back? Or where to?"

"Let's go to Jiahe; I bet some people are getting impatient."

Lingzi knew that the "some people" Chen Fusheng mentioned were referring to Chenglong...

But she didn't quite understand why Chen Fusheng insisted on casting this person.

"You seem to value him a lot."

"Who? Cheng Long?"

"Yes, why?"

Chen Fusheng thought for a moment before answering: "Because if our movies want to achieve high box office returns in Hollywood, in addition to the high quality of the film itself, we also need a kung fu superstar!"

Lingzi did not question this statement, because the experience of "The Cotton Robe" losing to "Shaolin Temple" was still fresh in her mind.

She questioned whether Cheng Long could be considered a kung fu superstar.

"He's only somewhat famous in Asia, right?"

"At least he is the most promising Chinese star right now..." Chen Fusheng explained.

Historically, Jackie Chan truly became an international superstar when "Rumble in the Bronx," starring him, was released in North America in 1995.

Therefore, Chen Fusheng did not dare to speak too definitively.

After all, there's a saying in their circle that makes a lot of sense: "Small fame comes from promotion, big fame comes from fate."

This is also why Chen Fusheng didn't look for anyone else.

……

Half an hour later, in Jiahe's reception room.

Raymond Chow, who would later be hailed as the godfather of Hong Kong cinema and was then the general manager of Golden Harvest, led Cheng Long in. While sizing up Chen Fusheng and Ling Zi, he warmly greeted them:

"I'm so sorry, I was in a meeting and kept Mr. Chen and Ms. Lingzi waiting."

"No, no, we were the ones who disturbed Mr. Zou's meeting. We're really sorry."

After Zou Wenhuai finished greeting everyone, Cheng Long also stepped forward to shake hands with Chen Fusheng and Ling Zi. "Cheng Long, your dark circles look a bit heavy. Is it because President Zou isn't letting you rest?" Chen Fusheng joked as he approached.

However, although it was a joke, it was actually quite offensive.

Chenglong's heart tightened, and he quickly shook his head: "No, no, my dark circles are all because of you, Mr. Chen."

"How does this have anything to do with me?" Chen Fusheng asked in surprise, unsure of how much of it was true or false.

"Sigh, because Mr. Chen, you sent someone to tell me last time that you wanted me to act in your movie, I was very happy. But Mr. Chen, you came to Hong Kong for several days and didn't come to see me, so I started to worry. I wondered if I did something wrong and made you give up on me, so that's why I have dark circles under my eyes."

Chenglong's words were clearly a serious lie.

However, this made Zou Wenhuai frown, because it gave Chen Fusheng something to talk about.

Zou Wenhuai was about to help his godson out of the predicament, but he was too late.

Because Chen Fusheng had already spoken first: "Is that so? Then I must sincerely apologize to you..."

In fact, Cheng Long realized he had said the wrong thing after his offhand remarks.

So he quickly tried to salvage the situation: "No need, no need..."

"Don't interrupt me, let me finish."

How could Chen Fusheng let such a good opportunity slip through his fingers?

He also made up a lie in a serious tone: "After arriving in Hong Kong, I did want to invite you, Chenglong, as soon as possible, but Great Wall Company didn't know that and thought I was just here to promote the movie, so they arranged a roadshow for us on the first day. I couldn't refuse, so I could only take the main cast and crew around for a day. After they got familiar with the place, I immediately made time to see you."

To add credibility to his words, Chen Fusheng added, "Director Ling Zi can vouch for me."

Ling Zi suppressed a laugh and nodded solemnly: "Yes, I can testify that Director Chen is telling the truth."

This has put Chenglong on a pedestal.

He can't easily backtrack and say, "What I said earlier was all a joke, I didn't actually want to act in your movie," because that would completely offend the person.

All she could do was cast a pleading look at Zou Wenhuai.

Zou Wenhuai sighed inwardly. He had originally wanted to negotiate terms with Chen Fusheng, but now that Cheng Long had interfered, many of his preparations were useless.

As a last resort, I asked about the script.

Although Chen Fusheng and Lingzi's visit was impromptu, they had just finished talking with the Hong Kong government and happened to have the script for "Die Hard" in hand.

Of course, Chen Fusheng didn't release the complete script, as he also had to be wary of Golden Harvest. After all, at that time, it was not uncommon for several Hong Kong film companies to copy each other.

"This is the script for the male lead that I prepared for you, Chenglong. Mr. Zou can also take a look."

Since Die Hard is a standard American superhero movie, its male protagonist is naturally portrayed as very powerful, just like the male protagonist in Wu Jing's Wolf Warrior, who is an invincible superhuman.

So at this moment, although Zou Wenhuai and Chenglong were only looking at the script for the role, they both felt that it was just right!
Both of them wanted to see the full script immediately, but Zou Wenhuai hesitated to ask because it was a bit taboo.

But Chenglong didn't have so many concerns.

He thought for a moment, then asked directly:

"Mr. Chen, may I see the complete script?"

"Sure, once you sign the contract with us, we can give you the complete script immediately."

Chenglong had actually already agreed in his heart after he misspoke earlier.

But what they say is still pending the company's decision.

Zou Wenhuai also knew that things had developed to this point, and even if he wanted to stop it, he couldn't bring himself to say the word "refuse".

He wouldn't even consider cooperating with the mainland.

After pondering for a long time, he posed a question:
"Mr. Chen, will you sell the overseas rights to this movie after it's made?"

"No, it will be released in the United States and the box office revenue will be shared."

"Those guys in Hollywood are very xenophobic. How can Mr. Chen guarantee that his movie will be released in the United States?"

"This is normally a trade secret, but since Mr. Zou asked, I'll reveal it: we've established a cooperative business relationship with Warner Bros. in the United States for film distribution."

Chen Fusheng's words surprised both Zou Wenhuai and Cheng Long.

In the past two years, Golden Harvest has also tried to turn Cheng Long into a Hollywood star, but it failed.

However, it was only through trying that I realized that securing film distribution partnerships with a major company like Warner Bros. in the United States is no easy feat.

Golden Harvest failed to achieve this.

So Zou Wenhuai was very surprised!
For Chenglong, however, it was more of a surprise!

After a few seconds of silence, Zou Wenhuai took a deep breath and finally decided to be more decisive:
"Okay, on behalf of the company, I agree to let Chenglong act in your film, Mr. Chen. I hope we can have a pleasant collaboration!"

Chen Fusheng was stunned for a moment. To be honest, he didn't expect it to go so smoothly!
Just as Zou Wenhuai prepared many methods but failed to use them, so too did he.

However, the current outcome is undoubtedly the most pleasing to all!
(End of this chapter)