Hong Kong Film Intelligence King

Chapter 135 People Cannot Empathize with Each Other
The chubby boy was so anxious he was pacing around in circles.

Wang Dalin looked at him with a troubled expression:
"What are you doing?"

The chubby boy muttered:

"I'm going to die! I'm going to die!"

Lin Lingxi kicked him:
"What nonsense are you spouting in front of your master?!"

The chubby boy said with a mournful face:

"Today, Brother Dao... President Wang called me into his office, gave me a huge red envelope, and then told me that he was very optimistic about my first film and wanted me to sign a contract with a big director."

"I'm going to die!"

Du Qingfeng also came up and kicked him, saying sourly:
"The company is offering you a contract with a big-name director; they value you. What's with that expression?"

"It's like someone is about to die!"

Wang Dalin angrily said:

“What your two senior brothers said is true.”

“Especially Senior Brother Lin, he didn’t even film ‘The Emperor’s Disciple’ today, just to celebrate your success.”

"You should be smiling, who are you trying to impress with that long face?"

"Your dad isn't dead yet!"

After saying that, he stepped forward and kicked the loser.

It's only natural for a father to beat his son, and the chubby boy didn't even dare to dodge.

The chubby boy smiled wryly:

“You don’t know the inside story.”

Wang Dalin is still producing:
How many contracts are there for top directors these days?

"Even when Shawn Yue's films were at their peak, he wouldn't sign such a contract with a big director."

"The company signed you because it sees your potential and believes you can bring substantial returns to the company."

“Li Sheng and Wang Sheng are people that even Sixth Uncle values ​​highly.”

"If they're willing to sign you to a contract with a top director, you'll be set for life!"

"Don't tell me you didn't sign a contract with a big-name director?"

The chubby boy spread his hands, his face drooping, and said:

"I dare not sign it!"

The eyes of Wang Dalin and his two apprentices were wide open. The former, with his huge, fat hand, was shaking the little fat boy like a radish, and his mouth was almost crooked with anger!

"...You wicked child!"

"Ah Feng, Ah Xi, give your junior brother a proper welcome!"

Without saying a word, Du Qingfeng and Lin Lingxi surrounded the chubby boy.

A series of snapping sounds came from inside.

"Fool, you won't even take the main road to heaven, yet you still want to fly?"

"Are you crazy? That's a contract with a top director. He can earn in one year what I'd make in twenty years. And you're not going to sign it?"

Wang Dalin shouted and cursed:

“You two are bastards too. I told you to teach him a lesson, not to cover for him.”

Du Qingfeng and Lin Lingxi turned around at the same time, their faces full of smiles:

"Master, we'll all be relying on our junior brother for our livelihood in the future, how could we possibly harm him?"

The two of them surrounded the chubby boy, but they didn't lay a finger on him.

Such a trick could not fool Wang Dalin.

Wang Dalin snorted coldly and gestured for the chubby boy to step forward:

"Jing, what are you worried about?"

The chubby boy said with a bitter face:

"The movie that Mr. Wang told me he was very optimistic about."

Wang Dalin frowned and said:

"Isn't it a good thing that Wang Sheng thinks highly of your movie?"

The chubby boy shouted:

"But he said my film 'Hooking Up Girls' would gross two million at the weekend box office!"

The scene suddenly became quiet.

Du Qingfeng and Lin Lingxi exchanged a glance and exclaimed in unison:

"Two million?!"

The chubby boy counted on his fingers and said:
"Two million in box office revenue over the weekend, what does that mean?"

"Not every movie by Dragon Force can achieve this level, right?"

"What kind of movie is that?"

"A kung fu movie!"

"Jumping off buildings, car chases, explosions!"

"My movie is just a fashion-themed seduction film, a low-budget movie."

"If this box office is two million over the weekend, wouldn't it make seven or eight million over the next 35 days?"

"how is this possible?"

Du Qingfeng and Lin Lingxi fell silent.

All three were students of Wang Dalin, yet none of them dared to claim they could achieve such success.

Two years ago, the annual box office champion only made seven or eight million.

Du Qingfeng frowned and said:

“I understand Ah Jing’s concerns.”

"Signing a contract with a big-name director is a good thing, and it shows how much Qiankun Films values ​​its junior."

"However, isn't this level of importance a bit too heavy?"

"Seven or eight million..."

"Is that an achievement that most directors can reach?"

“It’s normal for my junior brother to have concerns.”

"Two million in weekend box office... That's something an outsider would say. Very few insiders could actually do that."

The chubby boy nodded repeatedly:
"Dad, that's exactly what I'm worried about."

"How can we, as filmmakers, possibly know that our movies will be box office hits?"

"Even Lung Wai, his movies often flop."

"Almost all of its martial arts films have flopped."

"Of course I also want to sign a contract with a big-name director."

"But isn't Qiankun Film and Television Company's ambition a bit too great?"

"They demand seven or eight million in box office revenue all the time... Which director would dare sign a contract like that?"

Du Qingfeng and Lin Lingxi's faces turned ashen.

The chubby boy was telling the truth.

Who dares to guarantee that making a movie will definitely make money?

What if I can't make money?
Actually, it would be easier to deal with if it were any other investor, but Qiankun Films is no ordinary investor!
They have powerful connections within a criminal organization.

Liang Kun is one of the most popular big shots in the underworld right now.

Do you dare to disagree with the goals he sets?

Who wouldn't want a big contract?
However, the chubby guy was very clear-headed: although the big contract was good, his performance had to meet the targets.

If the target isn't met, a good thing will turn into a bad thing.

Du Qingfeng and Lin Lingxi were now completely on the chubby boy's side:
“Master, Junior Brother’s concerns are valid.”

"A contract with a big-name director is great, but isn't my junior's safety more important?"

Little Fatty Li nodded repeatedly.

The closest relationship is still with one's own fellow disciples.

Wang Dalin didn't hesitate to complain:
"idiot!"

"Three idiots."

All three of them were stunned!
Wang Dalin sneered:

"In Hong Kong today, which film and television production company with any reputation doesn't have a triad background?"

"Even Jade Terrace is not immune to this rule."

The three were even more bewildered!
The chubby boy asked incredulously:
"Even the Jade Terrace?"

Wang Dalin said coldly:

"What do you think?"

"Uncle Six's film company recruits so many actresses, and many of them become disobedient after they become famous."

"What should I do?"

"They've all gone to make pornographic films."

"Which good actor would want to make erotic films?"

The three chubby boys stared wide-eyed.

Wang Dalin added:
"With so many film companies, which one doesn't have connections with the triads?"

"Even martial arts practitioners have to give way when they encounter gangs; the necessary rules must be followed."

"Growing up in Hong Kong, you actually want to find a company without a triad background?"

"Did I teach you all the things I've taught you end up being used on dogs?"

Du Qingfeng, Lin Lingxi, and the chubby boy all lowered their heads, feeling deeply ashamed.

Wang Dalin was still not satisfied:
“You guys are not just stupid, you're incredibly stupid.”

"Ah Jing has been busy filming 'Hooking Girls,' so it's understandable that she doesn't know about Qiankun Films' capabilities."

"Surely neither of you is completely ignorant?"

"The Emperor's Disciple was filmed almost entirely with members of triads and police stations, and those triads weren't even the Hung Hing..."

Do you understand the true value of Qiankun Films?

"A company like this is so good that other people would have no way to curry favor with it, yet you guys are always worrying about this and that."

"Why don't you all just stop making movies and go back to TVB Jade?"

"Three things that are not presentable."

The three of them were almost driven to despair by Wang Dalin's tirade. They looked at each other, somewhat numb.

Master is absolutely right!
Are the three of them somewhat unambitious?
Wang Dalin snorted coldly:

"The three of you have been desperately seeking a chance to direct, but to no avail."

"Qiankun Films gave you an opportunity; they are the first company to appreciate you."

"You've become afraid at the last minute!"

"It's a good thing that people have requirements. What are their obligations, responsibilities, and rights? They should be clearly defined."

"If the conditions are clearly listed, there's no need to worry about not being able to meet them."

"What I fear most are those companies that don't make any demands. They seem to be doing it for your own good, but you have no idea what their bottom line is."

"It's a matter of minutes for someone to change their attitude, understand?"

The three nodded like chicks pecking at rice.

Wang Dalin said leisurely:

"Also, how do you know that Wang Sheng doesn't understand movies?"

"How can you be so sure that Wang Sheng is an amateur?"

The three were stunned.

Wang Dalin was truly furious:

"You three idiots, you're really going to drive me crazy."

"If you're so worried about the box office, why don't you go check out the situation at different cinemas?"

"Get out of here, all of you!"

The three of them quickly scurried out, not daring to stay at home for even a moment longer, because Wang Dalin really could kick people.

Ringo Lam was particularly remorseful.
"Ah Jing has led me astray!"

Du Qingfeng smiled wryly:

"Who says otherwise!" the chubby boy roared.
"How did I lead you astray?"

Lin Lingxi sighed:
"The film I'm currently making, 'The Emperor's Disciple,' is too grand in scale."

"My senior brother Du and I can now enter the Kowloon City police station without any hindrance, and we can also enter the Hong An Gu family without any hindrance..."

"This was something I never dared to even think about before."

"Qiankun Films really has connections in both the legitimate and criminal worlds."

The chubby boy smiled wryly:

That's why I'm scared!

Du Qingfeng stared at him intently:
What are you afraid of?

The chubby boy was baffled:
"Brother Dao said he's optimistic about my first movie grossing two million at the box office this weekend. What if it doesn't reach that? How can I not be afraid?"

Du Qingfeng shook his head:

"You've really led me astray."

So what if you didn't reach that level?

"You're from Qiankun Film & Television, who can do anything to you?"

The chubby boy shouted:

"I'm afraid Brother Dao will beat me up!"

Du Qingfeng and Lin Lingxi chuckled.

The chubby boy suddenly became terrified:

"Wait, you mean I've already been tagged?"

Lin Lingxi said sadly:

"Not just you, but all of us."

"From the outside, it seems that the three of us have a strong connection with Qiankun Film and Television."

The chubby boy remained silent.

Lin Lingxi bluntly stated:

"I was confused before, and I only understood after my master pointed it out."

"Can a typical film company hire police officers and gangsters?"

"And what does it mean to be able to direct a film like this?"

"We hadn't figured it out before."

"Now I understand completely!"

"We've already been branded as Qiankun Films."

"These things were explained by Brother Dao when he made the appointment with us."

There's no such thing as a free lunch!

The chubby boy felt a chill run down his spine.

Du Qingfeng comforted him:

"Don't worry, this is just how things are right now."

"How many people in the film and television industry don't have a company background?"

"Find me a completely clean version of myself and let me see."

The chubby boy was speechless.

That's the truth.

Every single one of them, whether they are singing kings and queens or movie stars, has connections with the gang.

The only difference is the different organizations behind them.

"It's a good thing that the company values ​​us!"

The chubby boy smiled wryly:

"Of course I do."

"Ever since the boss of Kwai Tsing filled the sea with cement in front of me, I knew how powerful the company was."

The chubby boy still felt lingering fear when he thought about what happened.

It was just an ordinary filming session at the time; who could have imagined that something like that would happen?
The chubby boy finally found out who Han Bin was, the person who sat next to him the whole time during the filming in Kwai Tsing.

It turns out that when he gets angry, he becomes the infamous Binney Tiger from Kwai Tsing!

Fortunately, the production team had the backing of Qiankun Film and Television; otherwise, they would have been completely ruined.

Lin Lingxi looked at the chubby boy and asked:
"Ah Jing, are you worried that your movie won't be a box office success?"

The chubby boy was quite composed:
"Yes!"

Lin Lingxi added:
Have you ever doubted your own abilities?

The chubby boy shook his head:

"No!"

He explained,

"But expecting this movie to gross two million this weekend... that's just too far-fetched, isn't it?"

Lin Lingxi suddenly laughed:
"It's good that you don't doubt your own abilities."

"I don't think Brother Dao made any demands on you. He just told you that he believed your movie would be a big hit."

"Aren't you putting pressure on yourself?"

The chubby boy said seriously:

"Brother Dao has already stated this goal, if we can't achieve it..."

Will he be disappointed?

Du Qingfeng couldn't help but say:
"Ah Jing, we really led you astray. Dao Ge has had his eye on you for a long time."

"They didn't set any box office targets for you at the time."

"Not only that, Brother Dao also said that as long as you finish your first movie and gain experience, he will let you sign a contract with a big director."

"Do you understand what this means?"

The chubby boy asked blankly:

"Brother Dao did tell me that, but..."

Lin Lingxi angrily said:

"Nothing but bullshit!"

"You idiot, Brother Dao values ​​you and is giving you a chance."

"Even the two of us are benefiting from your success."

"If it weren't for you, would I have been allowed to film 'The Emperor's Disciple'?"

"Damn it, why didn't Brother Dao value me sooner?"

The chubby boy quickly spoke up:

"But Brother Dao said he expects the weekend box office to reach two million..."

Ringo Lam was even angrier:

Are you an idiot?

"That's what Brother Dao expects of you!"

"Whether it's two million or not doesn't matter, what's important is that Brother Dao values ​​you."

Ringo Lam was truly filled with envy, jealousy, and resentment:
"You've seen the script for 'The Emperor's Disciple,' haven't you?"

"OK?"

The chubby boy nodded vigorously:
"it is good!"

Lin Lingxi added:
Do you think the box office will surpass that of "Hooking Up with Girls"?

The chubby boy answered without hesitation:

"Yes!"

Lin Lingxi cursed loudly:

"That's right, anyone in the know would know that this film will surpass 'Catching Girls' at the box office, but do you know what?"

"Brother Dao also promised that as long as I finish filming this movie, I will also sign a major director contract with the company."

"However, there is one."

"That's the maximum contract I signed with the company for a top-tier director; it absolutely cannot exceed yours!"

The chubby boy's eyes widened!

"what?"

Du Qingfeng shook his head:

"You're really lucky!"

The chubby boy stammered:

"But Brother Dao said he's optimistic about two million in box office revenue this weekend..."

Lin Lingxi said irritably:
"Are you stupid?"

"Isn't it a good thing that Brother Dao thinks you can get two million at the box office?"

"Even if we can't achieve it this time, we can achieve it next time!"

"How much is your total investment...?"

"No wonder Master told us to kick you!"

Du Qingfeng also sighed:

"Old ginger is spicier—the master saw through it long ago."

The chubby boy looked completely dazed.

"Is that so?"

Du Qingfeng and Lin Lingxi exchanged a glance and shook their heads in unison.

The chubby boy is unaware of his own involvement. Wang Dao values ​​the chubby boy so much, how could he easily change his mind because of the success or failure of one of his movies?

Wang Dao's inexplicable favoritism towards the chubby boy really made his two senior brothers envious!
Lin Lingxi thought for a moment and said:
"Let's go to the cinemas and see. The movie has already been released, so we'll find out what kind of box office it will get once we try."

The chubby boy nodded repeatedly:
"Let's go!"

Nowadays, there are actually only two cinema chains in Hong Kong: one is Shaw Brothers cinemas run by Uncle Six, and the other is Golden Princess Cinemas.

The three chubby boys naturally went to their own family's movie theater first. Lin Lingxi said:

"Since we're already here, let's go in and see how the audience reacts."

This is a common choice for directors nowadays: without a premiere, they pay out of their own pockets to watch the film among the audience.

The audience's true opinions will naturally become clear.

Lin Lingxi then said to the ticket seller:
"I'd like three tickets for 'Catching Girls'."

The ticket seller said expressionlessly:

"How about a midnight showing?"

Lam Ling-hei was baffled:
Why would I need a midnight showing?

The ticket seller said indifferently:

"That's all. Do you want tickets for tomorrow?"

The three of them were all taken aback.

The chubby boy was both surprised and delighted:
"Is it really gone?"

The ticket seller said impatiently:
"If I had a ticket, would I refuse to use it?"

"Do you still want it?"

"If you don't want it, get out of the way!"

"Don't block the way, the audience in the back still need to buy tickets!"

Lin Lingxi quickly apologized and left. The three of them looked at each other, all feeling incredulous.

Du Qingfeng said happily:
"Ah Jing, this box office is going to be a huge hit!"

"Let's go, let's hurry up and go take a look."

So the three brothers ran all over Hong Kong, and all the tickets for those crowded places were sold out.

The chubby guy was the smartest; he guessed that there might still be movie theaters left in the countryside.

The brothers and sisters ran around for another half hour and finally found tickets at a movie theater in the New Territories.

When the three of them went inside, they were surprised to find that the secluded movie theater was almost full.

Lin Lingxi was extremely excited:
"Ah Jing, Dao Ge was right! Maybe the box office will really reach two million this weekend!"

(End of this chapter)