Chapter 50

Lin Jian had recently completed his control over Huanya, becoming the largest shareholder (the shares acquired by Shen Zhenghui would not have voting rights for three years). Lin Jian was eager to turn things around quickly, but Huanya only had the funds to produce two films this year, so distribution became their only option.

If it weren't for Shen Zhenghui's appearance, Lin Jian would never have coveted the Japanese market. After the return of Hong Kong and the Southeast Asian financial crisis, the once-thriving Southeast Asian market for Hong Kong films suddenly erected trade barriers, hindering the import of Hong Kong films while opening the door to Hollywood. Losing their largest overseas market and unable to penetrate the domestic market to the north, Hong Kong cinema, once known as "Hollywood of the East," began to decline. Yongsheng's films could only be shown in Malaysia and Singapore outside of Hong Kong, indicating that Hong Kong films had reached a critically dangerous situation.

Influenced by Shen Zhenghui, Lin Jian took control of Huanya earlier than expected, but he still carried a huge debt, making it difficult for him to invest in film production. Therefore, he thought that since Huanya had Japanese capital, distribution was the only lifeline. This time, Lin Jian came to Tokyo, ostensibly to discuss cooperation in film production, but in reality, he was planning to distribute Hong Kong films in Japan. However, he lacked sufficient resources, so he was essentially a middleman. China Star had no distribution capabilities in Japan, so he planned to distribute Yongsheng's "Gambler's Battle in Las Vegas" in Japan.

Thus, when he met with Fukuda Miharu, Lin Jian became more serious and began to earnestly discuss his plans for cooperation. He promised to increase investment in film production, envisioning large-scale, high-budget, star-studded blockbusters, and hoped to cooperate with Haruhi Eiga in distribution, with Haruhi selling Japanese films to Hong Kong and Huanya selling Hong Kong films to Japan.

"Your ideas are good," Fukuda Miharu complained to Shen Zhenghui, "but have you considered the size of the Hong Kong market compared to the Japanese market?"

"We can talk about it gradually! After all, we also want to enter the mainland market through Huanya!"

"Kadokawa is investing in Chen Kaige's new film 'Jing Ke Assassinating Qin Shi,' and this time they might lose a lot of money," Fukuda Miharu rolled her eyes.

"Our approach is different. Otherwise, why would I take a roundabout way through Hong Kong?"

"Alright," Fukuda Miharu thought carefully, "I'm quite interested in Yongsheng's film, but I don't want to buy it alone. It would be better to co-buy it."

"Co-buy?"

"It's a sequel. If we buy it, we should buy 'Gambler 1999' as well."

"How do you want to buy it? Isn't it a box office split?"

"Ask if they prefer a box office split or a one-time buyout of distribution rights. I lean towards the latter," Fukuda Miharu shrugged, "but Yongsheng's recent films are good, so for long-term cooperation, let them choose."

Shen Zhenghui and Fukuda Miharu left to talk, and Lin Jian was also thinking, but his thoughts were on how to deceive the Japanese. Of course, there were two types of deception—deceiving once and running away, or deceiving for a long time. Lin Jian, upon hearing that Haruhi Eiga already had several cinemas, decided to be the latter type. He and his company lacked funds, so he needed to introduce cooperative capital for film production. Lin Jian was clearly willing to cooperate with the Japanese, who had no voting rights for the time being.

Lin Xi, on the other hand, was excited to participate in the negotiations. As a Taiwanese, her impression of Japan was high-end. Suddenly, she found that the head of Haruhi Eiga was a young woman, roughly her age, which was shocking. Moreover, the composure and competence of this female president made Lin Xi, who was used to the casualness of Hong Kong's film and television industry, feel that she was of a much higher caliber.

While Lin Jian was rubbing his chin, thinking about how to get closer to his partners, Shen Zhenghui and Fukuda Miharu returned.

Shen Zhenghui, representing Fukuda Miharu, announced the decision and asked Lin Jian to choose between a buyout or a split.

"Buy two films?" Lin Jian was stunned by this result, which exceeded his expectations.

"Yes, we considered two models—buyout and split. Mr. Lin can choose which distribution model he prefers. Additionally, we are very interested in Yongsheng's past and future films and are willing to maintain a long-term cooperative relationship with Yongsheng through Huanya."

This far exceeds my expectations! Lin Jian thought, his gaze shifting from Shen Zhenghui to Fukuda Miharu.

"Of course, cooperation is mutual. We also hope to deepen the exchange between China and Japan through Huanya's channels."

China and Japan, not just Hong Kong and Japan? Lin Jian thought.

"Does Chairman Lin have any plans for entering the mainland market?"

Indeed, they have a broader vision than me, Lin Jian thought. Some people have already proposed that the future century belongs to China, but many shortsighted individuals don't see this trend. It seems that this Chinese man and this Japanese woman have a long-term vision!

Thus, Lin Jian responded with a serious expression, "I have very clear plans and am eager to enter."

Shen Zhenghui and Fukuda Miharu exchanged a glance and nodded slightly.

Lin Jian then added, "I am currently discussing with Chairman Han of China Film Group to jointly establish a subsidiary for co-production and distribution. I wonder if Mr. Shen and Chairman Fukuda are interested."

Of course, they were very interested. According to their discussion, Shen Zhenghui should take the lead in investing in the mainland.

Thus, the subsequent talks became quite confidential. Lin Jian sent Lin Xi back to the hotel, and Fukuda Miharu kindly dispatched her secretary to accompany Lin Xi shopping.

The three of them engaged in detailed negotiations about funding and shares. By the time they reached an agreement, the sun was setting.

"Principally, both methods are fine, but I need to consult Yongsheng to decide which one to choose."

"Alright, I have arranged a banquet for Chairman Lin," Shen Zhenghui said.

"Will President Fukuda join us?" Lin Jian asked.

"I won't, so you can be more relaxed," Fukuda Miharu replied, then added, "Yamayama Tetsu will represent me tonight. He is an old friend of yours."

"Oh, Mr. Yamayama?" Lin Jian said, rubbing his forehead, "He is indeed an old friend." He glanced at Shen Zhenghui. In terms of social skills, Shen Zhenghui was still weak, and he was glad that Yamayama Tetsu could share the burden. He gave Lin Jian a normal look, but this was misunderstood by Lin Jian.

When they arrived at the restaurant, Lin Jian realized that bringing Lin Xi was a mistake. It was a high-end private room with bright but not glaring lights. When Lin Jian arrived, guided by the waiter, Yamayama Tetsu was talking with four or five beautiful girls.

These girls were all very well-dressed and extremely attractive. From any angle, they seemed to be a group of young stars. Their flirtatious behavior and sweet, cloying Japanese made them seem open to any advances. Seeing several such girls together made one's heart itch.

Almost immediately, Lin Jian regretted bringing this temporary girlfriend.

Yamayama Tetsu was surprised to see Lin Jian with a woman but quickly composed himself, coming forward to introduce the girls. Each girl seemed to have put in a lot of effort, greeting everyone in Japanese, Cantonese, and Mandarin.

Ignoring Lin Xi's awkward expression, Lin Jian leaned in to Shen Zhenghui's ear and asked, "Are these your company's signed artists?"

"I really don't know; I don't handle that," Shen Zhenghui was also puzzled. He pulled Yamayama Tetsu aside and asked quietly, "Are these our company's artists?"

Yamayama Tetsu looked at him with surprise, "These are not our company's artists!" Seeing Shen Zhenghui's confused look, he explained, "But they all want to sign with our company."

"Do they have other companies? Are they trying to switch?" Shen Zhenghui was puzzled. Queens Agency was a new agency, and although it was doing well, it still had a long way to go compared to established agencies. Now, artists were actively seeking to join?

"Hey, you don't know them?" Yamayama Tetsu was even more surprised, "They are all adult film actresses. Due to Aizawa Chiharu's success, they have had a significant impact in the industry, and many ambitious actresses want to sign with our company to change careers."

"What?" Shen Zhenghui was truly shocked.

"Let me introduce you," knowing Lin Jian didn't understand Japanese and probably didn't care, Yamayama Tetsu pulled Shen Zhenghui forward to introduce the girls, "This is Suzuki Manami, a former racing girl who debuted last year."

The long-legged Suzuki Manami bowed and shook hands with Shen Zhenghui, "Hello, I love your performance in 'North High School.' Miss Aizawa is so beautiful." Shen Zhenghui shook her hand numbly, feeling her fingers wriggling in his.

"This is Ozu Mariko, who has shot films in Hong Kong with good reception," Yamayama Tetsu continued.

Ozu's attitude was polite, but much more reserved. "I love films," she smiled, "acting is a personal interest."

"This is Miura Aika," Yamayama Tetsu continued, making a helpless face at Lin Jian, who looked at Lin Xi awkwardly and smiled.

If Miura Aika wore a school uniform, she would fit in perfectly with high school students. Shen Zhenghui shook her hand, and the girl seemed exceptionally shy, or at least appeared to be. As usual, the girls expressed their love for 'North High School's Cruel History' and admiration for Aizawa Chiharu, to which Shen Zhenghui responded with a smile.

Finally, Lin Jian was introduced to everyone. His status as the chairman of a Hong Kong film company and a powerful businessman elicited gasps of admiration from the girls, especially from Ozu Mariko, who had experience in Hong Kong. Lin Xi was introduced as a rising star in Hong Kong, who had just acted with one of the Four Heavenly Kings and was about to act with the King of Comedy. The girls could only look on with envy.

After learning the girls' identities, Lin Xi felt the atmosphere was off. As a Taiwanese who understood Japanese, she knew that Yamayama Tetsu's intention in inviting these girls was not good. Lin Jian found the meal uncomfortable, feeling itchy and confused in the Japanese-speaking environment, unsure of what to say.

As they were leaving, he spoke to Yamayama Tetsu, whispering, "Find a chance for us to meet alone." Yamayama Tetsu responded with a knowing look.

Shen Zhenghui faced the girls' enthusiastic advances, receiving their business cards and phone numbers, which made him feel restless.

The meal was uninteresting, allowing Yamayama Tetsu to talk non-stop throughout.

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The page is now complete.