Hong Kong variety show: The tycoon who emerged from Portland Street

7 p.m., The Peninsula Hotel, Tsim Sha Tsui.

Chen Mo sat in the restaurant and looked at his watch.

Well, it's time to go, but Fang Yihua hasn't arrived yet.

Chen Mo frowned slightly. Had the invitation not been delivered? Or was he simply not taken seriously?

Just as Chen Mo was losing patience and getting up to leave, Fang Yihua arrived.

Chen Mo did not know Mona Fong, but he did know the man she was arm in arm with: Sir Shaw, the boss of TVB and a media mogul in Hong Kong.

By all accounts, Sir Shaw should be eighty years old this year. However, he still looks quite healthy, with jet-black hair, a tall and straight figure, a well-fitting suit, a white shirt underneath, and a tie. There is also a neatly folded white handkerchief tucked into the pocket of his suit jacket, making him look very refined.

If it weren't for the slightly loose skin on his face, people would believe he was over sixty.

Fang Yihua, dressed in a business suit, looked capable and efficient with her straight short hair.

Just as the two walked into the hotel hand in hand, the hotel's lobby manager went up to them.

Many people in Hong Kong Island may only know her name but have never seen her in person.

However, Sir Shaw frequently appears in newspapers and news, and there are few people in Hong Kong who do not know him.

After seeing the two people enter the hotel, Chen Mo sat down again.

Soon, the waiter led Sir Shaw and Mona Fong to Chen Mo's table, accompanied by several bodyguards.

Chen Mo smiled, but did not get up. He simply gestured for the two of them to sit down.

"I am very happy that Sir Shaw could come in person."

Chen Mo glanced at his watch.

"But I don't like that you're five minutes late."

Sir Shaw spoke to Chen Mo with no respect whatsoever, showing no anger whatsoever, and remained as amiable as ever.

"You're Chen Mo? You're quite a characterful young man indeed."

Chen Mo raised an eyebrow: "Oh? It seems Sir Shao knows me?"

"Hehe, although I am a businessman, I know a few friends in the underworld. It's quite easy for me to ask them about someone."

Although Mona Fong was not Sir Shaw's first wife, she had been by his side for many years.

This year, Sir Shaw's first wife passed away, and Mona Fong is now known to outsiders as his sixth wife. Although the two are not legally married, they are practically husband and wife.

Fang Yihua received the bullets sent by Chen Mo, how could Sir Shao not take it seriously?

Before coming to the appointment, Sir Shao had already learned the ins and outs of the matter from Fang Yihua, and had also inquired about Chen Mo's character from people in the martial arts world.

It was because people in the martial arts world didn't think much of Chen Mo that he decided to personally accompany Fang Yihua on this trip.

However, after meeting Chen Mo, his impression of Chen Mo changed quite a bit.

Although Chen Mo seemed arrogant and showed no respect to him when they met, his eyes did not contain the violence and ferocity he had seen in other gang members; instead, they were full of confidence and composure.

Sir Shaw had been in the business world for many years and had seen countless people of all kinds.

This kind of look shouldn't appear in the eyes of a gangster; it's more like the look of a business elite.

"Since Sir Shao inquired about me beforehand, he must know why I invited Ms. Fang."

Ms. Fang deliberately smeared my people, causing them enormous reputational damage and emotional distress. Sir Shaw, how do you intend to handle this matter?

Chen Mo had a lot of respect for Sir Shaw.

Although he had already made plans, since Sir Shao had come in person, Chen Mo felt he should give him face and listen to Sir Shao's plans.

Of course, this would have to be a solution that satisfies Chen Mo.

Chen Mo wouldn't agree to it if they were too stingy.

"I've already heard about this from Yihua, and to be honest, it was indeed Yihua's fault."

"Name your price for compensation. But this matter is settled, and you cannot harm Yihua again, okay?"

In Sir Shaw's view, he was indeed in the wrong, and it would be most worthwhile to settle the matter by spending some money.

Otherwise, dealing with someone like Chen Mo would require building up a lot of connections and spending money to hire gangs, which would be even more costly.

However, he cannot make the first bid. If he does, he will be at a disadvantage, while Chen Mo will have a chance to bargain if he speaks first.

Chen Mo was no pushover; hearing Sir Shao's words, he could roughly guess what he was thinking.

If you make me ask for it myself, then don't blame me for having too much to ask.

Leaning back in his chair, Chen Mo pretended to be thinking. After a while, he spoke.

"The person Ms. Fang exposed is my woman. She was already on the rise to fame, with a bright future ahead. Not only would she make money for me, but it would also make me look good to have a celebrity girlfriend."

But now, her career is ruined because of Ms. Fang. Putting aside how much money I'll lose, the loss of face is a serious matter.

Since you're going to compensate me, then compensate me for this.

Anyway, there are plenty of beautiful female celebrities in your TV station, so just send me one as my girlfriend, and give me a few million or a few thousand as compensation.

"You're dreaming!" Fang Yihua from one side said angrily. "You're simply delusional."

Sir Shaw patted Mona Fong's hand on the table, signaling her to calm down.

He hadn't expected Chen Mo to make such a request, but Chen Mo's magnanimity was far superior to Fang Yihua's.

Turning to Chen Mo, she said, "Mr. Chen, please don't ask for such conditions. We can have the money, but we will not give you the person."

TVB has many actresses, but not many female stars. Every single one of them is their cash cow!

How could I possibly give it to Chen Mo!

Chen Mo spread his hands, feigning helplessness, and said, "If the female celebrities are unwilling to give it, then you can only try to continue my woman's career."

The TVB dramas and variety shows you've been producing lately have been pretty good.

How about this, I'll have my person participate in your variety shows a few times a month, and then I'll casually arrange for her to play the female lead in a few TV dramas. Is that a good deal?

"Young people have huge appetites!" Sir Shaw exclaimed. "We at TVB still have our own artists to promote, you're asking for too much."

"I can give you the lead role in a TV series, plus a variety show appearance every month before the new year. Is that enough?"

Chen Mo's eyes darted around before he said, "Add two more male supporting actors from TV dramas."

Sir Shaw thought for a moment and nodded in agreement: "Okay."

Sir Shaw had a clear understanding of the situation. Apart from a female lead, what Chen Mo wanted was nothing to him, and he wouldn't even have to spend much money on it.

It's not like a variety show is just about having a few guests.

As for the two male supporting actors, they are even less significant.

Sir Shaw didn't care, but Chen Mo did. Right now, Chen Mo was overjoyed.

Chen Mo originally thought it wasn't a big deal; all he needed was a chance for Liu Piaopiao to appear on a variety show.

After all, Fang Yihua is notoriously stingy, and given her special status, Chen Mo really can't mess with her.

Unexpectedly, Sir Shaw was more generous than rumored, providing resources far exceeding Chen Mo's expectations.

Chen Mo really made a fortune this time.