1991: The Era of Hong Kong Dramas

"Oh?"

Liu Qingyun couldn't help but look at Huo Sheng with some surprise.

Could it be that Huo Sheng even thought of the Silver Jubilee TVB Anniversary and created this theme specifically?

They really understand the trends in television production!

This made him truly take it seriously, and for the first time, he really looked at Huo Sheng.

His appearance was impeccable, the face of a movie company's favorite actor, but that wasn't the key. The most important thing was the look in the eyes of the person opposite him—calm, without any of the expected anxiety or disappointment, but you could see the word "focus" in his eyes.

When he looks at someone, it seems that all his attention is on you, and he has a kind of determination, but his expression is very calm, as if he doesn't have any emotions.

After looking at it for a while, he actually felt a slight sense that the other party was very trustworthy, so he picked up the script again and began to think about it more seriously.

Does Mr. Shao like this subject matter that perfectly aligns with the current social situation? Is it really feasible?

Huo Sheng then finally began to lobby.

"The biggest problem right now is my identity. Even if you help me submit it to the writing department, you can only guarantee that it won't be immediately thrown into the pile of rejected drafts, but it's very likely that it will be blocked by the assistant screenwriter or junior editor."

As Lau Ching-wan watched, he nodded silently. This was the truth, no problem. He could only help by saying good things to the screenwriters he knew. The ones who could really influence the outcome were the editors and production managers in the production department.

Although it's a subject matter that Mr. Shao likes, the key is how to make sure he can see it.

Seeing Lau Ching-wan nod in agreement, Huo Sheng's tone became even more sincere, "So, instead of going through the normal procedures layer by layer, it's better to hand it over directly to the producer and let him approve the project. That's the only way we'll have a chance."

"ha?"

Lau Ching-wan was shocked again after hearing this. "Do you think I'm some kind of god? If I could just talk to the producer and hand him a script, would I still be playing bit parts here for eight years?"

"Surely you can't be completely unable to say a word?"

"If you're talking about nodding and greeting, that's fine. But if you're asking me to just walk up to the producer with the script and show it to him, that would break the rules of our industry."

Liu Qingyun gave a wry smile and continued:

"If the producer takes pity on me and just flips through a couple of pages, that's fine. But if he doesn't like it, my old face will be completely ruined."

"From now on, when people see my casting call card, will their first reaction still be whether I'm suitable for the role?"

At this point, Lau Ching-wan felt a pang of sadness.

Eight years is neither a long nor a short time.

Of my classmates from that training class, Carina Lau has become a movie queen, and Lawrence Ng has also landed leading roles. The others have either switched careers to go into business or have disappeared from the public eye long ago.

He's the only one still here, playing a mediocre role, earning a modest salary, and accumulating a fair amount of favors.

If the producer doesn't think highly of the script, then it's like walking into a quagmire for nothing. They've used their limited face in the wrong place, and they might lose everything.

Huo Sheng understood his concerns, listened quietly, and only spoke seriously after he finished speaking:

"I understand, Mr. Progressive Department, if you say a few nice words, this matter won't affect you."

But handing it directly to the producer represents your own stance; you're gambling with your future. If the producer doesn't like it, you've made a fatal move…

Liu Qingyun nodded slowly. He had always kept a low profile and did not engage in factionalism. To step forward so rashly would damage his reputation.

"But you wanted to leave TVB in the first place, didn't you?"

Huo Sheng's words were powerful, resounding, and full of allure.

"Playing it safe won't get you anywhere in this industry, so you might as well take a gamble this time. If you keep wasting your time in your current situation, you'll just end up playing supporting roles until your contract expires."

But if "The Greed of Man" becomes a success, I can promise you with this script that you won't get a small role. This role will definitely be worthy of your eight years of experience. I have confidence in the script!

He was certainly confident. When "The Greed of Man" was broadcast, it achieved a rating of 33 points, creating the "Ting Hai effect" that lasted for thirty years. Whenever Adam Cheng's new drama was broadcast, the rating would always drop. When it was rebroadcast late at night in 2015, it broke the historical record for ratings in the early morning slot, making 40 people in Hong Kong stay up all night to watch it. This is why Huo Sheng chose this drama.

However, he couldn't tell Lau Ching-wan these things; it all depended on whether Lau was willing to help. After all, whether he believed the script written by the waiter could be made into a good drama and win the producer's favor was up to Lau's own judgment. No amount of flowery promises from others would help.

He could only wait for Lau Ching-wan to make his own decision, but Lau Ching-wan still didn't return the script to him. Instead, he pressed it under his hand and tapped it repeatedly, hesitatingly asking, "Which role is it...?"

"Male one, Fang Zhanbo."

"Fang Zhanbo?"

Lau Ching-wan carefully recalled the scenes he had played in the role.

He is Fang Jinxin's son. He lost his father at the age of eight. After growing up, he used his talent for stock trading to avenge his family. He plays the main role in the second half of the story, which is quite important.

However, he was still slightly disappointed. He felt that the character Ding Hai was the most memorable in the whole story, but it's always better to be content.

Fang Zhanbo is already a very good character. If he plays it well, he will definitely shine. Besides, he will also have the opportunity to appear on stage during the celebration.

A role is the only asset that allows an actor to speak out, and it is also the sword of Damocles hanging over an actor's head. No actor will miss any opportunity to play a good role.

It concerns one's career prospects and is a question worth pondering.

Lau Ching-wan lowered his head in deep thought, his thick eyebrows furrowing and relaxing repeatedly, agonizing over the matter for a long time. It wasn't until the customers at the next table had left that he looked up and asked, "Which producer do you want to give the script to?"

He made his choice, agreeing with Huo Sheng's assessment that he hadn't landed any good roles despite sticking to his principles for so many years.

Even if I fail, I can always start over at a film company.

Moreover, the script is excellent, the story is quite interesting, and the characters are memorable, making it worth the risk.

However, deciding which producer to hand the script over to is another problem.

Li Tiansheng? A veteran producer, he's a master at making martial arts dramas, but this subject matter probably doesn't suit his taste.

Xiao Sheng? He's very experienced and has worked on all kinds of subjects, so he's constantly getting offers and can't stop working all year round.

Wang Tianlin? He's about to retire...

As for Leung Ka-shu and Tsang Lai-ching, Lau Ching-wan wouldn't even dare to think about it. These two factions were locked in a fierce, life-or-death struggle. If he, who didn't participate in factions, went up to them and handed them a note, they would think it was his pledge of allegiance.

Liu Qingyun felt increasingly overwhelmed by the thought.

These producers each have their own responsibilities and methods. If they hand the script to the wrong person, it's not only a waste of effort but also a waste of goodwill.

Upon hearing his question, Huo Sheng felt that his chosen target was indeed effective; the desire to act could overcome everything. He then recommended:

"I have someone who is not only interested in reading this script of dubious origin, but also capable of pushing it forward and even overcoming some internal resistance."

Liu Qingyun was taken aback. None of the names that had just flashed through his mind belonged to this person. Curious, he asked, "Who is it?"

Huo Sheng smiled and slowly spoke.

Wai Ka-fai.