1991: The Era of Hong Kong Dramas

The unpleasant episode has passed, and it's getting late.

Huo Sheng stopped Liu Qingyun from seeing him off further. He boarded the No. 6 trolleybus at the intersection and returned to Jinquelou at 7 p.m. sharp, ready to resign.

As a top waiter at Jinquelou, it would be incredibly disloyal of him to just run away without a word; he should at least have told the manager.

And today happens to be payday!

That's a full 10000 yuan, the result of Huo Sheng's two months of hard work. He'll have to rely on this money to support himself next month.

However, he didn't intend to change into a waiter's uniform and work another night. Instead, he went to the staff break room, found a chair in a corner, and sat down quietly, waiting for the manager.

This unusual behavior quickly attracted the attention of many colleagues, who gathered around, laughing and joking as they greeted him.

"Ah Sheng, why aren't you changing your clothes?"

"If you don't get up soon, you might get yelled at by the manager."

Huo Sheng smiled and replied, "I'm not going to work today. I'm resigning."

"what?"

The group of people were taken aback, exchanged glances, and their initial enthusiasm visibly diminished.

You can tell from their eyes that they've definitely misunderstood.

After all, in such a mixed place, resigning without a reason will inevitably lead to rumors—either that Huo Sheng lost all his money in the stock market and was forced to flee to avoid his debts; or that Huo Sheng seduced a rich woman and had to run away after the affair was exposed.

Various kinds, their meanings are self-evident.

Therefore, everyone's expressions turned strange in unison, and the plastic-like nature of the colleagues was fully displayed at this moment.

Huo Sheng was too lazy to explain further. Seeing that it was almost time, he went directly to the manager's office and told him why he had come.

The manager was a little reluctant to part with him.

Not only does he have excellent work ability and handle his work in an orderly manner, but since he started working at Jinquelou, the number of female customers in the store has also increased.

"I don't know what trouble he got into outside, that he even has to lose his job and run away."

The manager felt a pang of regret, but after saying a few polite words, he still generously settled the two months' salary and handed it to him.

Everything ended naturally.

It was the same iron staircase. Leaving the Golden Sparrow Tower, Huo Sheng took a deep breath. The night wind blew in from the alley entrance, carrying the usual smell of alcohol and perfume from Lan Kwai Fong.

Strangely, he didn't feel a sense of belonging when he signed the contract with TVB, but at this moment, it suddenly came to him.

He felt that only now did he truly transform from a lonely ghost who had drifted to Hong Kong into someone who belonged here. It was as if a switchman had suddenly appeared and led his life onto a track he had never traveled before.

Although he didn't know what the future held, he was still full of anticipation.

……

The Golden Bird Tower lost its Jerusalem.

At TVB, the only change was that the production department gained a new, unknown screenwriter.

However, to say that nobody cares would be to underestimate oneself.

At least Wei Jiahui hasn't had a moment's peace for days because of Huo Sheng.

From the moment he received the script for "The Great Era," his original plans had already been thrown into the trash.

That project was unremarkable, and even if it were filmed, it would most likely be a completely unmemorable work that would be unable to stand out in the competition for anniversary dramas.

Having made up his mind to accept Huo Sheng, Wai Ka-fai let loose and, following the story framework of "The Greed of Man," stayed up all night to polish a detailed project proposal.

It not only clearly defines the core plot and character settings of the series, but also includes viewership market analysis, target audience, and estimated funding, equipment, and personnel that need to be applied for.

This proposal signifies his decision to use "The Greed of Man" to compete for next year's TVB Anniversary Drama Award.

As a result, after reviewing the proposal he submitted, Run Run Shaw gave a clear objection.

"How could a TVB anniversary film release a script written by a new screenwriter?"

After reviewing the proposal, Run Run Shaw frowned and said, "He doesn't have any broadcast works and has no industry experience. Next year's anniversary drama is of paramount importance, unlike usual dramas. I don't agree with your risky approach."

What's so interesting about a safe approach?

Wei Jiahui thought to himself, but said aloud, "I think this is something worth trying. Although Huo Sheng is a newcomer, his writing style is very mature and much better than other screenwriters."

Even if you say that,

Shaw leaned back in his leather chair and said, "What we have in abundance here are people who can write stories; what we need is stability."

The anniversary drama involves the entire year's planning, GG's investment promotion, and resources across the entire station; it's not a training ground. How many eyes are watching? Using him is like betting the biggest gamble of next year on a newcomer with zero experience.

What do you think those screenwriters who have toiled for ten or fifteen years, waiting to take the next step, will think? What will the board members who review the financial statements ask?

"Excuse my bluntness, but what's the point of ranking people by seniority?"

Wai Ka-fai's tone was firm: "The important thing is whether the show is good and whether it can be a hit. If we follow the established order and seniority, you know how our anniversary drama 'Laughing in Tomorrow' was received and how well it was rated."

"The Great Era" is different—"

"What you're saying needs to be proven by results, but he doesn't have any."

Run Run Shaw said in a deep voice, "The risk is too great, I disagree."

"Sixth Uncle".

Wai Ka-fai leaned forward slightly, still insisting on his opinion, "I know the risks, so I'm using my position as producer to vouch for it. What I value is not him as a person, but the script and the potential impact it might have."

Anniversary dramas need to be stable, but they also need to break new ground. Giving him this opportunity is also giving ourselves an opportunity.

Wai Ka-fai didn't have Huo Sheng's prophetic abilities; he didn't understand that "The Greed of Man" would definitely be a success, but he had the courage.

He paused for a moment, then added the last sentence decisively:

"If you think using it is too risky, then I'll take that risk. I insist on using this notebook and I insist on using it. Please give us a chance, even if it means risking our careers."

The office fell silent suddenly, with only the air conditioning hissing softly.

Shaw looked at his beloved general, known as a "genius" but now unusually stubborn, and his gaze returned to the proposal, remaining silent for a long time.

He invited Wai Ka-fai back because he believed that the man was capable of achieving results.

Over the past three years, each anniversary drama has been more mediocre than the last, and audience reviews have worsened year by year. If this continues, let alone surpassing ATV, they won't even be able to hold onto their core audience.

Perhaps TVB really needs Wai Ka-fai, and also needs newcomer Fok Sing to break the deadlock.

Are you sure?

After a long pause, Run Run Shaw finally spoke, his voice a little hoarse, his gaze passing over the top of his reading glasses to look at Wai Ka-fai.

"Sure."

Wei Jiahui said.

Shaw was silent for a moment, then rubbed his temples, as if making a decision he was reluctant to make but had to.

"OK."

He spoke up, "Then let's give it a try."

Wai Ka-fai felt relieved and bowed slightly: "Thank you, Uncle Six."

"Don't thank me yet."

Shaw waved his hand, picked up the proposal again, flipped through it, and said softly:

"Let this newcomer write a good film. I just agree to let you direct it, but whether it can be released during the anniversary season depends on the film itself."