Chapter 9

Prince Zichuan came to the production team's public telephone booth and dialed the number on the envelope: "Hello! Is this Director Wang Jin?"

A high-pitched voice came from the receiver:

"Yes, it's me. Are you Prince Zichuan?"

Prince Zichuan replied excitedly, "Hello, Director Wang, I'm Prince Zichuan. You can just call me Zichuan."

"Alright, Zichuan! I've been waiting for your call. How do you feel about the assistant director position in the production team? Don't worry, I'm always fair and kind to my juniors, and I won't let you down..."

Prince Zichuan moved the receiver slightly away, and after Wang Jin finished speaking, he flattered, "I'm willing! Director Wang, your films will surely be box office hits!"

"Thanks for your good wishes, Zichuan. Come to the Peninsula Hotel immediately; I'll be waiting for you there. We'll discuss the production team's matters."

"So soon! Director, rest assured, I'll be there on time."

Prince Zichuan slowly put down the phone with his trembling right hand, his face excited and his mood elated. It was really the assistant director position!

Since the "The Legend of the Condor Heroes" production was about to wrap up, Director Du Qifeng was planning to shoot on location. Prince Zichuan did not follow the production team, but said goodbye to Wong Mei Ling and Huang Rihua, then took a taxi directly to the Peninsula Hotel.

The Peninsula Hotel opened on December 11, 1928, and is known as the "Grand Dame of the Far East." It was one of the most advanced and luxurious hotels in Asia at the time. The building had only seven floors and was H-shaped.

During the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong in World War II, on the evening of December 25, 1941, the Governor of Hong Kong signed the surrender document at the Peninsula Hotel. During the Japanese rule, the hotel was used as a command center by the Japanese army.

Starting in the 1950s, the Peninsula Hotel was known as the "Film Star Tea House" because many movie stars loved to have afternoon tea there. In the 1980s, artists like Leslie Cheung, Anita Mui, and Maggie Cheung were regulars at the hotel.

The taxi skillfully drove through the streets, passing through Kowloon Tong, Mong Kok, Yau Ma Tei, and Tsim Sha Tsui in just a few minutes.

"Sir, we've arrived at the Peninsula Hotel!"

Prince Zichuan's spirits lifted. He took out a 500-dollar bill, didn't bother to check the change, and casually stuffed the loose change into his pocket. Looking at the luxurious new hotel, he subconsciously tidied his appearance by the window.

"Are you Zichuan?"

As soon as Prince Zichuan entered the hotel, he heard someone calling him. He was startled and saw a plump young man walking towards him with a friendly smile.

"Hello! Director Wang!"

Wang Jin waved his hand, his eyes almost squinting into a line, and his face wore a sincere smile: "Call me Jin, and you can call me Ah Jin. We're not that different in age, so let's not be so formal."

"Ah Jin, you called me here today to..."

Prince Zichuan didn't hesitate and directly addressed him as Ah Jin.

Wang Jin led Prince Zichuan to the reserved seat and, after sitting down, said with a lecherous smile: "After reading your script, I knew you were a kindred spirit. Many of the scenes in it align with my ideas. I showed it to my father, and he thought I wrote it!"

"Ha ha ha..." Prince Zichuan laughed awkwardly, feeling like a fake Li Kui meeting the real Li Kui.

Wang Jin slapped his thigh and said excitedly, "The script has many funny elements, especially the scene where they strip while playing cards. It's brilliant! Adding a few beautiful women to liven up the atmosphere will definitely make the box office soar. I called you here today to discuss the cast."

"Ah Jin, you can decide these things. I'm just a screenwriter." Prince Zichuan was already embarrassed and stammered in response.

Wang Jin shook his head, the movement so large that Prince Zichuan was worried his neck might cramp.

"I'm only consulting you because you're the screenwriter. But you know, this film is funded by Shaw Brothers, so the cast can only be from Shaw Brothers. Here are the materials I've selected; they are all... you know."

Wang Jin smiled lecherously and handed Prince Zichuan a set of materials.

"The male lead is set to be played by Fu Sheng, a rising star at TVB who is currently being heavily promoted by the company. He has starred in many films and has a good box office draw, and his acting is top-notch."

Prince Zichuan had no particular impression of Fu Sheng, vaguely remembering that he died in a car accident, but he didn't know when.

"What about the female lead? Can I recommend someone?"

Wang Jin instantly looked deflated and smiled bitterly: "The producer of this film is Uncle Six, the producer is Shaw Brothers' senior executive Huang Jiaxi, and the executive producer is Uncle Six's housekeeper, Aunt Fang. There are many people above me, so a supporting role can be discussed, but the lead roles, they definitely won't agree. Aunt Fang favors Anita Mui and Qian Huiyi. The remaining roles, I want Liu Xuehua to play. If you have a good candidate, we can discuss it."

Prince Zichuan frowned slightly, thinking he was a powerful assistant director, but it turned out he was a dispensable role. He really disliked the feeling of being underestimated.

"Then let's choose Anita Mui to play the female lead, Ame. How about that?"

"No problem! I was thinking the same thing." Seeing Prince Zichuan's low spirits, Wang Jin comforted him: "This film is funded by Shaw Brothers, but I plan to collaborate with you soon. We'll privately produce a film and release it in theaters. What do you think? This is the main reason I called you today."

Prince Zichuan pointed at himself, hardly believing it: "Collaborate with me?"

Wang Jin nodded and confirmed again: "I think your perspective is unique and very appealing to the public. You write the script, I direct, and we split the profits 50-50. Are you in?"

"50-50! But..." Prince Zichuan was very embarrassed. He only had 5,000 dollars to his name, not even enough to buy a roll of film, let alone invest.

Wang Jin thought Prince Zichuan was dissatisfied with the split, so he shook his head and said with a pained expression: "How about 60-40, with you getting 60% and me 40%? I can't go any lower; this is all my private savings."

Prince Zichuan nodded firmly, his body tense, and replied: "What kind of person do you think I am? 50-50 it is! I've already thought about the script. Tomorrow... the day after tomorrow, I'll bring it to you. When do you plan to start filming?"

Hearing that the script would be ready the day after tomorrow, Wang Jin was not happy but worried, his eyes shifting uncertainly. He advised: "Zichuan, my entire life depends on this. Please take a few more days to think it over before you start writing."

Prince Zichuan was taken aback, looking at Wang Jin's pitiful expression, and couldn't help but laugh: "The script is already in my head. Besides, when I give you the script, you'll need to read it a few times before deciding to film it."

Seeing Wang Jin still looking dejected, Prince Zichuan relented: "Alright! Alright! I'll take a few more days to think about it."

Wang Jin let out a long breath, not feeling awkward, and raised his coffee cup, smiling: "That's better! Zichuan, to our successful collaboration!"

This isn't alcohol! Prince Zichuan cooperatively drank the coffee in one go.

Wang Jin seemed to remember something and asked: "What did you say just now?"

Prince Zichuan smiled and said nonchalantly: "Nothing much. I have a good friend who has always taken care of me, so I want to introduce her to the production team. Don't worry, she's also a TVB actress."

"Who is it? I know all the TVB actresses. No problem, the female lead in the script hasn't been decided yet. Liu Xuehua is out. What's her name? I'll send the materials over tomorrow."

Prince Zichuan looked around shyly.

"Wong Mei Ling! The popular Huang Rong from the recent hit."

Wang Jin frowned and explained to Prince Zichuan: "Wong Mei Ling might not be possible. According to TVB's usual practice, she and Huang Rihua will be promoting and performing in Southeast Asia, so they won't have the time. Even if they do, they'll be taken by senior directors. I can't do anything about it. Let's choose someone else."

Prince Zichuan was quite disappointed, thinking of the morning's events, and said subconsciously: "Then how about Yang Pan?"

"That ancient beauty? Zichuan, you have good fortune! Alright, let's choose her."

Good fortune? Prince Zichuan was taken aback, seeing Wang Jin's lecherous smile, knowing he had misunderstood. He didn't want to explain and just laughed awkwardly.

Wang Jin stood up and gave final instructions: "Zichuan, the script must be witty. People nowadays love to laugh. Add beautiful women and handsome men, and the box office will be a sure hit. This is my experience."

Prince Zichuan couldn't help but know the popular elements in Hong Kong at the time. He shared his ideas, and these forward-thinking elements left Wang Jin stunned, as if he had met a kindred spirit. He grabbed Prince Zichuan's hands and shook them continuously.

...

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