Hong Kong Entertainment 1979: A Beating Up the Manager at the Start

In fact, "The Deadly Sword and the Deadly Gun" was produced by Garbo Company, which was founded by Hung Kam-po, Mai Ka, and Lau Ka-yung.

Strictly speaking, the film competing with "Happy Ghost" was Greta Garbo, not Golden Harvest. As for why it was released in Golden Harvest, the main reason is that there are currently only four major cinema chains in Hong Kong: Shaw Brothers, Golden Harvest, Southern Cinemas, and Ritz-Carlton.

However, Hung Kam Po is a generous person with a wide network of connections, and people in the industry give him a lot of face.

In an office building in Kowloon Tong.

Hong Jinbao was drinking tea in his office when his secretary suddenly informed him that Li Jiangbo and Wang Jing had come to visit.

He was somewhat surprised, but still had his secretary welcome the person in.

As soon as they entered, Hong Jinbao warmly shook hands with the two.

"Director Li, Director Wang, what brings you here?"

"Brother Bao, I don't come here unless I need something. I'd like to ask the Hong Clan for help."

Hong Jinbao skillfully brewed tea, pointed to the sofa, and said, "Come, sit down and let's talk."

The two of them didn't stand on ceremony and plopped down.

As soon as he sat down, Li Jiangbo got straight to the point, "Brother Hong, my next film is about to start shooting, and I'd like to borrow two people from you."

Hong Jinbao paused in her tea-drinking motion. "Oh? Borrowing from whom?"

"Tsang Chi-wai and Lam Ching-ying".

Hong Jinbao put down his teacup, pondered for a moment, and asked, "Approximately when will work begin?"

"Just one or two months."

Hong Jinbao shook his head. "Director Li, to be honest, the company is planning to make a film for my junior colleague, so..."

Upon hearing this, Li Jiangbo immediately understood what it meant: they were going to make a movie called "Young Master" for Jackie Chan!

He remembered that this movie was released in 1980. It's only the end of August, how come it's being prepared for release so early?

Just as he was pondering something, Hung Kam-po spoke up again: "You can talk to Tsang Chi-wai about his film contract. As for Lam Ching-ying, he probably won't be available for the rest of the year."

Li Jiangbo understood Hong Jinbao's meaning and immediately said, "Thank you, Brother Hong."

After chatting for a while, Li Jiangbo excused himself and left with Wang Jing, saying he had company business to attend to.

As soon as the two got into the car, Wang Jing, always the gossip, couldn't help but complain, "This Hong Jinbao really doesn't respect you at all. You're the first director in Hong Kong to break ten million at the box office..."

Li Jiangbo glared at Wang Jing. "Judging from Hong Jinbao's character, I think he really doesn't have the time. You go and talk to Zeng Zhiwei; I don't need you to worry about this side."

Wang Jing looked as aggrieved as a wronged wife, "Fine! You're the boss, whatever you say goes."

After returning to the company, Li Jiangbo was thinking about what kind of movie to shoot. His previous films, "Chasing Girls" and "Mr. Vampire," were obtained from simulators. Now that Lin Zhengying was unavailable, "Mr. Vampire" would be missing a key figure, which would not do.

Let's simulate it first and see what good scripts the system can provide. Let's simulate for three years this time, Li Jiangbo confirmed in his mind, and the system automatically deducted 300 popularity points. (ps: Beginner simulation: 10 points per year; Intermediate simulation: 20 points per year; Advanced simulation: 100 points per year.)

Li Jiangbo was used to this; after all, he had so much popularity points, he could spend them however he wanted.

In early September 1979, you were preparing to film "Mr. Vampire." Because Lam Ching-ying was unavailable, you invited Chan Yau to play the lead role, and the production was able to begin.

In early October 1979, when the film crew was shooting in Taiwan, they were confronted by a triad gang demanding protection money. The gang was greedy and made exorbitant demands. You refused to pay the exorbitant amount, leading to a conflict between the crew and the gang. This conflict resulted in three of your bodyguards being seriously injured and three others sustaining minor injuries.

In late October 1979, you returned to Hong Kong with your film crew to continue filming. While the crew was out shooting on location, the head of Hutchison Whampoa approached you, demanding that you hand over the business secrets related to the glass bottles. You refused, and three more bodyguards were lost, leaving you completely without anyone to rely on.

In November 1979, the film crew's production came to a standstill. Both bosses, Shao and Zou, extended offers to you, promising to resolve the situation, but you politely declined.

In December 1979, you brought back dozens of bodyguards from the mainland to ensure the smooth operation of the film crew.

In January 1980, filming for "Mr. Vampire" wrapped up, and it was scheduled for release in Shaw Brothers theaters in February. The film was a box office hit, catapulting you to stardom.

In June 1980, your business conflict with Hutchison Whampoa reached a fever pitch. Your underling, Zhao Dong, was shot and killed while doing glass business with the United States.

In July 1980, a call came from the mainland, wanting to continue doing business with you. You personally went to meet them, but as soon as you left the airport, you were ambushed, and three of your bodyguards were killed.

In August 1980, amidst turmoil in the underworld, the 14K triad also entered the glass-buying business.

In September 1981, Sin Kee began to establish its presence in the glass purchasing business.

In September 1982, three gangs, plus your bodyguards, began a fierce battle, and you felt exhausted. You pulled out your little black notebook and started assigning tasks.

[Simulation ended. Would you like to claim your reward?]

[A: A copy of the script for "A Better Tomorrow".]

[B: Blacklisting of Hutchison Whampoa, 14K, and Sun Kee]

[C: Three years of unrestricted combat experience and skills]

After reviewing the three years of simulations, Li Jiangbo blurted out, "Damn it!"

What the heck? Is this glass bottle collecting business so coveted by triads? First it was Hutchison Whampoa, then 14K, and now Sun Kee. They're bullying this honest guy!

He recalled that in a previous simulation, he was forced to flee to Taiwan, and Li Lianjie's manager was shot and killed.

Now there are two more powerful gangs joining the fray, they're taking turns attacking him! They're shameless!

All I want to do is make good movies, run a business, and make some money. Is that so difficult?

Then let's not make "Mr. Vampire" but make "A Better Tomorrow" instead, and wait until Lam Ching-ying has time to make it.

With that in mind, Li Jiangbo decisively chose reward option A.

Then came a long period of sleep. When Li Jiangbo woke up, he found someone at his feet. And his pants were half down.

"Oh my god!" This startled him, and he quickly pulled up his pants and stood up.

Looking under the desk, I was surprised to see that it was none other than Rosamund Kwan!

"Um......"

"Boss, it's not what you think. I'm sewing your pants," Rosamund Kwan said, waving the silver needle in her hand in front of Li Jiangbo's eyes.

Li Jiangbo blushed immediately; he had misunderstood! But something still felt off.

He looked down at his pants and saw that there was indeed a slit in the side.

He then looked at Rosamund Kwan and saw her big eyes blinking, as if she were saying that what she said was true.

Li Jiangbo's throat was a little dry. "Really? How...how did you know my pants were torn?"

Rosamund Kwan crawled out from under the desk, brushed the dirt off her clothes, and said, "I saw your leg move while you were asleep."

Li Jiangbo suspected that Rosamund Kwan was seducing him, but unfortunately he had no evidence.

He stopped dwelling on it, straightened his clothes, and asked, "What did you want to see me about?"

Rosamund Kwan said, "I heard that director Wong Jing is going to make a new movie? Can I act in it?"

Li Jiangbo nodded, "Sure! If you want to act, go find Fatty."

"Really? Then I'll go find Director Wang."

Li Jiangbo smiled and said, "Go ahead, go ahead. However, if you're going to participate in Wang Jing's play, then you won't have time to participate in mine."

Rosamund Kwan looked at Li Jiangbo in surprise, "Director Li, are you starting a new film?"

"Um!"

After receiving Li Jiangbo's approval, Rosamund Kwan immediately began to use her charm and coquettishness to try and land a role in Li Jiangbo's new film.

Unfortunately, Li Jiangbo remained unmoved.

My next film is "A Better Tomorrow," a male-dominated movie where the only female character is Sung Chi-kit's girlfriend.

Although the role had few scenes, Rosamund Kwan's acting skills were insufficient to support the character.

It would be good for her to get some experience working out on Wang Jing's film.

Seeing that Li Jiangbo was unmoved by her words, Guan Zhilin felt somewhat frustrated and could only slink away.

After everyone left, Li Jiangbo sat in his chair and didn't move for a long time.

He looked down at the opening in the side seam of his pants, shook his head, and stopped thinking about it.

However, next time we'll definitely not do a simulation at the company!