1991: The Era of Hong Kong Dramas

"Wai Ka-fai?"

Liu Qingyun subconsciously repeated the name, then nodded.

He was a suitable candidate, yet we forgot about him—not because he was unknown, but quite the opposite. Wai Ka-fai is a very influential producer at TVB. Although he is not in the same faction as Jane and Leung, his dramas have a strong style and are guaranteed to be well-received and popular.

He was the author of the hit drama "Looking Back in Anger" two years ago.

The reason I didn't think of him is that at the beginning of last year, Wai Ka-fai was poached by Lim Por-yen to ATV with a salary several times higher than TVB and more creative autonomy.

It wasn't until a few days ago that Mr. Shao dug it back.

People who can switch jobs frequently are generally talented.

Liu Qingyun was quite impressed with this choice and couldn't help but look at Huo Sheng with some admiration.

This young man overturned all past impressions in just one night.

I used to think he was just a pretty face with no substance, but today I've been completely led by him from beginning to end, and I'm totally convinced of his authority, as if everything is under his control.

"Believe me, Wai Ka-fai is the most suitable candidate," Huo Sheng continued to persuade him.

He could be so certain because he knew in his heart that Wai Ka-fai was one of the original screenwriters and producers of "The Greed of Man".

There may be other suitable candidates within TVB, but as this is his first foray into Hong Kong, he doesn't need to take too many risks. Maintaining a normal operating track and minimizing risks is what Huo Sheng needs most right now.

Lau Ching-wan also felt that Wai Ka-fai was the perfect candidate, and breathed a deep sigh of relief, a smile returning to his face. "In that case, I will try to hand over the script to Producer Wai as soon as possible."

Huo Sheng was actually very anxious, but he didn't show it on his face. He smiled and said, "Thank you, Mr. Liu."

However, Huo Sheng's financial situation was really bad. He had worked hard for two months but only received one month's salary. He still couldn't afford to pay the rent for the next quarter.

He couldn't help but ask again, "About how long will it take to hear back?"

"Three days, three days at most!"

In case Wai Ka-fai was away from headquarters, Lau Ching-wan stayed a few more days.

After saying that, he carefully put the script away, stood up, and patted Huo Sheng on the shoulder forcefully: "Whether it works out or not, I will let you know when the time comes."

"Okay, I'll wait three days."

After saying that, Huo Sheng left his contact information for the public phone downstairs.

Liu Qingyun took it, somewhat puzzled, "Don't you have a pager?"

Not yet.

A pager was too much of a luxury for him; his wages were only enough to buy basic necessities and food to survive, let alone a rare item like a mobile phone.

Having to wait in line to make a phone call made Huo Sheng nostalgic for the smartphone he used to always have with him.

"If you want to join TVB, it's best to have a pager that can be contacted at any time, because the production crew's schedule is very tight."

Liu Qingyun offered his last piece of advice for the day and then turned and left the Golden Sparrow Tower.

He had no desire to stay and drink anymore. What was originally just a pointless night had unexpectedly become a crucial step in his career.

He just wanted to get back as soon as possible to sort out his feelings and see Wai Ka-fai.

Only Huo Sheng remained standing there, letting out a soft sigh of relief.

Great, the plan is going surprisingly smoothly. Maybe I'll get the job in three days.

……

After a brief moment of joy, Huo Sheng returned to the shop and continued to greet and see off customers, constantly refilling their drinks and replacing empty plates and ashtrays on the tables.

Until the news was confirmed, he remained just an ordinary waiter.

Huo Sheng didn't return to the lounge until closing time, changed out of his uniform, and picked up his diamond-patterned umbrella before leaving the store.

At this time of getting off work, I can catch the last No. 6 trolleybus.

After a swaying and bumpy journey of nine stops, we got off at Paotaishan.

Huo Sheng ventured into the narrow alleys of the old street, turning and twisting until he stopped in front of an irregularly shaped, dilapidated tenement building.

89 Electric Road.

This is an old building that is over 40 years old. The four-story building is divided into twelve rooms, separated by thin lime walls.

Huo Sheng slowly walked up the makeshift steps made of broken wooden planks.

When returning home late at night, even if you are very careful, you will still inevitably make a creaking noise when going up the stairs.

The tenants living in places like this are all people with irregular schedules, and the landlords don't bother to care.

Of course, if you're too concerned about these things, you probably won't attract any tenants to your house.

Room 302 on the third floor was the room he lived in.

Leaving the umbrella outside, Huo Sheng opened the door and grasped the light cord hanging from the ceiling, casting a dim light onto the small space.

The room contained only a desk, a chair, an electric kettle, and a few cups and dishes. In the corner was a single bed and a worn-out corner cabinet. Apart from these, the original owner had basically sold everything and invested the money in the stock market.

On the desk were some yellowed manuscript papers and a few worn-out pencils, which Huo Sheng had gradually added himself.

He took out a rusty razor blade from the corner cabinet and, under the dim light, slowly sharpened the pencil.

When the pen was top-heavy and could barely be spun a few times between his fingers, Huo Sheng began to reflect on whether there was anything wrong with what he had said to Liu Qingyun that night.

This is his method for finding a job: set a goal, face reality, make a plan, strictly execute it, and finally, calmly wait for the result.

Now, I have taken the first step toward TVB. Although my goal is just to become a screenwriter, as long as things go smoothly, I can definitely become a script editor and then find opportunities to gradually rise to the level of producer and creative director.

Finally, it's not impossible for them to cross over from television to film.

This may be a long and arduous process, but there is still a glimmer of hope. It is the best way out for someone like him who has no identity or education and is a pseudo-Hong Konger.

Although it was difficult, Huo Sheng was fortunate to have patience and the perseverance to strive for success. He started from an ordinary small-town family, got into a well-known university in the capital, and started working for a television production company after graduation.

Now, he has traveled to Hong Kong in 91, and he still acts in the same way, having done everything he can to find a job.

Huo Sheng thought for a while and felt that there was no problem at this point, so he stopped worrying about it and took out a stack of manuscript paper, quickly writing down a few lines.

"Greed leads to losing money but winning; blood transfusions don't mean losing money. Everyone gets a blood transfusion, murder happens without a sound, rain falls on outlying islands, people drink milk away from home, people receive inheritances, people hate the smell of money after being released from prison, happiness devoid of personality, monks receive no wages, invincible in attack, unbeatable in battle..."

"Ye Tian's mental cultivation method is really difficult to pronounce, but I can't rewrite it. Oh well, I'll just write it down for now."

"The theme song, 'My heart, once broken, now gently draws near to you...' This song cannot be lost."

Before meeting Wai Ka-fai, he wanted to write down everything he could remember about "The Greed of Man".

After all, never be lazy; being prepared is the best policy.