Hong Kong film: Zhou Chu eliminates the three evils, I am the leader of the Sanlian Gang

All the Category III films made by Ren Jiu's crew are fake; they're not real films, just borderline. Some of the actresses from Category III films have become famous now, so they can be allowed to make regular movies later.

Upon hearing this, Ren Jiu pondered for a moment. There are some limitations to making regular films, namely, they need to be shown in theaters. Without theaters, those regular films would be subject to their control.

It's not just about scheduling; all sorts of other miscellaneous things have to be split with the cinemas. Even if you make money, the cinemas will still bleed you dry.

Ren Jiu plans to operate his own cinema chain. Without a cinema chain, the film's release schedule will be limited and unsatisfactory.

As for Hong Kong Island, there are currently 120 cinema chains. These 120 chains are mainly controlled by three companies: Golden Princess, Shaw Brothers, and others, as well as some independent cinema chains.

"Since it's going to be a formal film, how will theatrical releases be handled?"

Wang Jingjing smiled and said, "Boss, actually, getting into theaters isn't that difficult. In recent years, Shaw Brothers has been producing big-budget theatrical films, each one a large-scale production with a lot of money invested."

"But Shaw Brothers' movies lose money as soon as they are released, and his film company is constantly downsizing, while TVB is making more money. Shaw Brothers is now increasing its investment in TVB."

"So their theater chains are actually a burden for Shaw Brothers. We can buy their theater chains and release official films."

Upon hearing this, Ren Jiu remembered that Shaw Brothers cinemas had indeed been sold in his previous life.

Ren Jiu nodded, agreeing with the idea, and picked up the phone to call HSBC's senior executive, Sir Michael Sandberg.

After answering the phone, Shen Bi asked:

"Mr. Ren, what is it?"

Ren Jiu smiled slightly: "I have a business deal I'd like to discuss with you, Shen Daban. I've made a reservation at the Peninsula Hotel for 7 p.m. tonight. How about we meet here?"

Upon hearing this, Shen Bi readily agreed: "No problem, Mr. Ren."

Chapter 104 Buying Shaw Brothers Cinema Circuit

By 6:50 p.m., Sir Michael Sandberg had arrived at the Peninsula Hotel, intending to discuss matters with Ren Jiu.

At the entrance of the Peninsula Hotel, Chen Guilin, accompanied by a group of burly men in black suits, was already waiting to greet the guests.

Upon seeing Shen Bi, Chen Guilin stepped forward and respectfully greeted him, "Boss Shen, my boss is already waiting for you in the hotel's private room."

After Chen Guilin finished speaking, he gestured for Chen to proceed.

Shen Bi nodded, unimpressed by Chen Guilin and the burly men in black suits. He knew Ren Jiu was a big businessman, but he also knew that Ren Jiu was a powerful figure in a powerful triad like the Sanlian Gang.

However, Sir Michael Sandberg did not have any aversion to triad members; HSBC only valued strength and whether clients had funds.

They were clearly well aware of Renjiu's financial strength. Qiangwei Group's instant noodles had already been sold in Hong Kong and Southeast Asia, and if possible, they would also promote them overseas, indicating a vast market.

In addition, the fact that Ren Jiu had previously acquired a building from them was enough to demonstrate their considerable financial resources, so HSBC was naturally willing to do business with such a large client.

Shen Bi didn't care about Ren Jiu's identity; as long as he was willing to pay, he was a customer of HSBC.

At this moment, Chen Guilin led Shen Bi into the elevator, and after arriving at the private room, they saw Ren Jiu.

Ren Jiu was sitting on the sofa smoking a cigar. Upon seeing Shen Bi, he immediately stood up and said with a smile:

"Shen Daban, it's been a long time."

Shen Bi nodded, shook hands with Ren Jiu, and then sat down in the private room.

At this moment, Hou Renjiu waved his hand, and Chen Guilin immediately arranged for someone to bring a bottle of red wine.

Ren Jiu smiled and poured Shen Bi a glass.

Shen Bi didn't stand on ceremony, took a sip, and then asked:

"Mr. Ren, what brings you here today?"

Ren Jiu had previously asked him for favors, including a loan, and had purchased the headquarters building of Qiangwei Group. Ren Jiu was very wealthy, and they had investigated the businesses under his control.

Besides Qiangwei Food Company and Qiangwei Film Company, there are also some gray-market businesses that are very profitable, which is why they were willing to lend money to Renjiu.

Ren Jiu didn't waste any words and got straight to the point:

“Shen Daban, I know that your HSBC bank owns 10% of Shaw Brothers cinemas, and I am very interested in that stake.”

In his previous life, Ren Jiu knew that HSBC had shares in various companies and that HSBC held shares in 19 Shaw Brothers cinemas, which is why he arranged to meet Shen Bi in the private room.

Ren Jiu did not hide his purpose; he planned to expand Qiangwei Film and Television Company and produce some more serious films.

“I plan to buy this 10% stake in Shaw Brothers cinemas.”

Upon hearing this, Shen Bi pondered for a moment and clearly knew that Ren Jiu's Qiangwei Film Company was planning to make a formal film. He also knew that Qiangwei Film Company had produced quite a few Category III films this year.

Some Category III films are selling very well, and Ren Jiu is clearly preparing to set up a cinema chain to produce some legitimate films. For Shen Bi, selling these shares wouldn't be a problem, he then said with a smile.

"Of course, Mr. Ren and I are friends, but I don't know how much Mr. Ren is prepared to spend to buy it."

HSBC is willing to sell these shares as long as you have the money.

Ren Jiu snapped his fingers and then said:

“The market value of 10% of the shares is 2200 million, and I am willing to pay 2500 million to buy them.”

Ren Jiu received an extra 3 million, which was just a drop in the bucket for him; it was also a way of doing Shen Bi a favor.

When Shen Bi heard that Ren Jiu was willing to offer 2500 million, which was 300 million higher than the market price, a smile immediately appeared on his face, and he agreed without hesitation.

“Mr. Ren is very wealthy and seems determined to acquire the shares of Shaw Brothers Cinemas. I am also willing to sell this portion of my shares.”

Hearing this, Ren Jiu smiled slightly, poured Shen Bi a glass of red wine, and said:

"In addition, I also hope that Ms. Shen can help me make a connection with Shaw Brothers. I want to buy all the remaining shares of Shaw Brothers cinemas."

Although Ren Jiu had already bought 10% of the shares, Shaw still held 90%. Since he wanted to run a cinema chain, he naturally wanted to acquire all of these shares under his name.

Upon hearing this, Shen Bi took a sip of red wine and smiled:

"No problem, Mr. Ren, it's just a small favor. I'll help you contact Mr. Shao later."

Upon hearing this, Ren Jiu smiled slightly.

"Thank you very much."

The two then raised their glasses and chatted for a while before Ren Jiu saw Shen Bi off, saying he would wait for news from him later.

When he returned home in the evening, Shen Bi thought for a moment, picked up the phone and called Shao Yifu. After all, Ren Jiu had paid an extra 300 million, and he still had to repay this favor.

As for HSBC's Shen Daban, she was also quite familiar with Shaw.

Meanwhile, in his villa, Shaw Brothers was looking at two financial statements, his brows furrowed slightly. One was the financial report of Shaw Brothers Films, and the other was the financial report of Shaw Brothers Television.

TVB is a subsidiary of terrestrial television stations. Its viewership ratings have been steadily increasing every year, and the company's annual financial reports show year-on-year growth.

However, because Shaw Brothers films were all big-budget productions, they were often disappointing after release, resulting in huge losses for almost every film and annual losses.

This made Shaw hesitate, his brows furrowing. Now Shaw was also considering whether to completely stop his film career and focus on television.

Historically, Shaw Brothers did indeed stop his film career to focus on television.

Just then, his phone rang.

"Jingle Bell."

After receiving the call from Sir Run Run Shaw, he then asked with a smile:

"Shen Daban, is there something you need?"

The two had a fairly good relationship in private, so Shen Bi didn't waste any words and said:

"Ren Jiu, a big businessman from Qiangwei Group, bought 10% of your Shaw Brothers cinema chain, and now he wants to buy the remaining 90% of your shares."

"Mr. Ren now hopes to meet with you, Mr. Shao."

Upon hearing this, Shaw was somewhat tempted. He hadn't expected that while he was hesitating, someone would be willing to take over his film company.

This reassured him. If he could sell it for a good price, he certainly planned to sell the film company and then focus on his television business. He then smiled and said:

“Ms. Shen, have Mr. Ren come to my Shaw Group at 10 a.m. tomorrow. I’d like to meet with him to discuss the film.”

Upon hearing this, Shen Bi immediately nodded: "No problem."

After saying that, Shen Bi hung up the phone and called Ren Jiu to inform him about his meeting with Shao Yifu the next day.

Meanwhile, Ren Jiu was working on documents in his study at his villa when his phone rang. Seeing it was Shen Daban calling, he answered and said:

"How is Ms. Shen doing?"

Upon hearing this, Shen Bi smiled and said, "I have already communicated with Mr. Shao. Mr. Ren, please go to the Shao Group at 10 a.m. tomorrow to discuss with Mr. Shao in person whether we can buy the remaining 90% of the shares."

Shen Bi only played the role of facilitator; the specific purchase matters still needed to be discussed personally by Ren Jiu and Shao Yifu.

Ren Jiu nodded and said with a smile:

"Thank you, Ms. Shen."

After saying that, Ren Jiu hung up the phone and planned to meet with Shao Yifu the next morning.

The next morning, Ren Jiu, along with Lao Shuming and Chen Guilin, arrived at the Shao Group in seven or eight Mercedes-Benz vans. As arrangements had been made in advance, a beautiful female assistant in work attire was waiting at the entrance.

Upon seeing Ren Jiu, he bowed slightly and greeted him.

“Mr. Ren, this way please. I will take you to Mr. Shao’s office.”

Ren Jiu nodded and then followed his assistant to Shao Yifu's office. After entering the office, Ren Jiu saw Shao Yifu.

He was dressed in a suit, wearing large-framed glasses, and had a smile on his face. Ren Jiu greeted Shao Yifu:

"Mr. Shao, hello, I am Ren Jiu from Qiangwei Group."