Chapter 83

When Mr. Xiang mentioned that the film had an investment of 60 million Hong Kong dollars, everyone present, including Mrs. Xiang's goddaughter Zhang Zhizhi, was stunned for a moment, clearly shocked by such a large investment. Especially Lin Jian, as a fellow filmmaker, felt almost mocked by the opponent's decision upon hearing this. Shuzhou He also wore a surprised expression, as it was rare for Japanese films to have such a large budget.

So, when Shen Zhenghui changed the subject, everyone definitely thought he found the risk too high and didn't want to invest, not knowing that Shen Zhenghui had already seen the film's doomed fate.

After a long and difficult meal, Shen Zhenghui declined Lin Jian and Mr. Xiang's invitation to find a place for a few drinks, citing travel fatigue and the desire to rest early, and returned to the hotel. He shared a room with Seinuma Tomoaki, while Fujido Kaoru enjoyed a suite on her own, and it was uncertain whether the young girl would sleep well at night.

Shen Zhenghui didn't want to go out with the two Hong Kong people, but he didn't mind sitting down for a drink with Shuzhou He. The four of them went to the hotel bar, found a seat, and sat down. Shen Zhenghui planned to discuss the current development and future plans of Spring Day Films in Hong Kong with Shuzhou He.

Although Fujido Kaoru was uninterested in such a dull conversation, she still loyally stayed by Shen Zhenghui and Seinuma Tomoaki's side.

"60 million Hong Kong dollars, Yongsheng really doesn't skimp on costs!" Shuzhou He sighed, having lived in Hong Kong for so long that he no longer seemed Japanese. "Mr. Shen, are you really not interested? The King of Pop and Zheng Yiming alone can bring in 20 million in box office, and it's a co-production with the mainland, which can be shown there. Recovering the cost shouldn't be a problem, right?"

"Do you think this film will make over 120 million in box office?" Shen Zhenghui asked, spreading his hands.

"I think it will," Shuzhou He said seriously. "These stars have a huge appeal in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the mainland."

Before "Young and Dangerous," Zheng Yiming had gained a lot of popularity, especially among teenagers.

"I also see the potential of co-productions, but you have to understand that the mainlanders' tastes are different from those of Hong Kong people."

"Huh? What do you mean?" Shuzhou He blinked. "Are you talking about aesthetics? Isn't the mainland deeply influenced by Hong Kong and Taiwan culture?"

"But the mainland is not Hong Kong or Taiwan!" Shen Zhenghui said. "It's different, so they need to work on their compatibility. Besides, Hong Kong films have been overdone in recent years, and now they need a group of leaders to create some new elements."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"I mean, if Hong Kong people still think mainland films are always behind Hong Kong films, they are wrong. Not every bad film can make money."

"You mean Mr. Xiang's investment this time is likely to fail."

"Shh, don't say that outside. Just say I think the risk is too high and it's not worth it." Shen Zhenghui pursed his lips. "These actors are all stars, but when they come together, their styles are too different and don't match well."

Shuzhou He looked understanding. "Then who do you think are the noteworthy filmmakers in Hong Kong?" He added, "Who can take on the responsibility of innovation you mentioned?"

"There are two types of innovation. One is a breakthrough in old themes, whether in story, creativity, or directorial skills." Shen Zhenghui spoke fluently. "This depends on who is making more films now. With enough accumulation, there will naturally be a breakthrough. I think Liu Weiqiang is doing well." He paused and continued, "The other is a breakthrough in themes. For this, we can only rely on Stephen Chow."

"Are you really planning to work with him?"

"We will work with whoever has the market. What do we care about others' grudges? If she says he is greedy and petty, we can just find a better lawyer."

...

Meanwhile, Mr. Xiang and Mrs. Xiang were talking in the car.

"This guy isn't here just for us. It seems the information is correct; he's here to find Stephen Chow." Mr. Xiang's face was expressionless. "Stephen Chow is raising funds for his new film, and it's inevitable that the Japanese got the news."

"What should we do?" Mrs. Xiang looked genuinely annoyed with Stephen Chow. "Won't that guy be pleased? What about our face?"

"You women are always like this," Mr. Xiang frowned. "Now that we have returned, we are all upper-class people. We need to be low-key and not keep our old bad habits." He was somewhat angry. "Look at your performance today; it had the opposite effect, didn't it?"

Mrs. Xiang pouted. "This guy doesn't know his place. He's just a traitor running errands for the Japanese."

"He has deep ties with the Japanese and can make decisions for them. Listen to what he talked about with Lin Jian."

"TV series are small money."

"Small money is still money!" Mr. Xiang was silent for a moment. "He wants to find Stephen Chow, and we can't stop him, but we can't let this go. We can't use any means, so let's find out more about this guy's character and see what his hobbies are."

"What hobbies? Just women, I guess." Mrs. Xiang said casually.

"But when Zhang Zhizhi offered him a drink, he didn't show any special reaction."

"With his girlfriend right there, how could he show it so obviously?" Mrs. Xiang said. "I heard his girlfriend is a former adult film actress. If he can bring her out, he must be a lecher, just like you."

Mr. Xiang smiled slightly. "Not necessarily. Maybe it's true love."

"Come on, what true love in the entertainment industry?" Mrs. Xiang pouted.

"Isn't it true for me?" Mr. Xiang countered. "But he talked more with Lin Xi. Could he be trying to put a green hat on Lin Jian?"

"If he asks, see if Lin Jian would give his girlfriend to him." Mrs. Xiang looked down on Lin Jian.

"Does he like that type?"

"Isn't that easy to handle? There are plenty of sexy types around."

...

"Mr. Shen and you really hit it off!" Lin Jian glanced at Lin Xi, who was sitting next to him. "You looked beautiful tonight, and he seemed to look at you a lot."

Lin Xi turned her face away, looking impatient, but when she turned back, she had a smile. "He was just being polite because of you. Mrs. Xiang brought Zhang Zhizhi, and everyone knows what she was thinking. I think Mr. Shen saw through it and talked to me more to politely refuse the Xiang family."

Lin Jian pondered. "I didn't think of that."

Lin Xi sighed. "Men are all the same. When someone looks at your woman a bit more, you think they are interested. What, do you want to give me to him? He has a girlfriend! Two of them!"

"That little girl doesn't count, and he said she's a bodyguard, though I don't see it." Lin Jian laughed and shook his head, then realized something. "So, he doesn't like young girls."

Lin Xi playfully hit Lin Jian. "So, you think I'm an old woman?"

"You're in your prime." Lin Jian couldn't resist touching Lin Xi's chest and leaning in.

"Stop it, you pervert, we're still in the car!" Lin Xi pressed his chest. Lin Jian reluctantly sat back, and the driver acted as if he hadn't seen or heard anything.

"We need to find a way to win him over," Lin Jian took a deep breath. "This guy seems very cautious about investments."

"I think he values the quality of films a lot," Lin Xi said. "Spring Day Films only buys proven films."

"What about 'Dark War' and your 'Speed Legend'?" Lin Jian asked.

"Ugh, 'Dark War' is directed by Johnnie To, it's definitely good. As for 'Speed Legend,' I think it's good, at least young people will like it. I think young people in Japan will like it too."

Lin Jian took a deep breath. "We need to find a good script."

"It doesn't have to be us finding the script. If he can provide a script, we can invest. He will definitely want to distribute it in Japan." Lin Xi said.

Lin Jian was stunned, then slapped his thigh. "Why didn't I think of that?" He then asked, "Do you know any good screenwriters?"

Lin Xi opened her mouth wide. "You're asking me?"

"I'm not familiar with screenwriters, but I know directors and actors well." Lin Jian pouted.

"Zhuang Wen is good!" Lin Xi said. "He's a newcomer."

"How do you know him?"

"He was involved in the screenplay for 'The Unemployed Emperor' and worked with Director Ma." Lin Xi said. "He also contributed to the screenplay for 'Young and Dangerous' for your company, Ringwood."

Lin Jian massaged his temples. "I need to go through the company's script library." He then asked, "Is Mr. Shen going to Taiwan soon? Are they investing in TV series there? Which one?"

Lin Xi licked her lips and said in a coquettish tone, "You weren't paying attention. I heard they are collaborating with the local Taiwanese film industry to produce an idol drama, and they are providing the female lead."

"The Japanese have far-reaching influence," Lin Jian sighed. "We are still struggling, but the Japanese are expanding across Asia and even eyeing the mainland market, which even Hong Kong people haven't achieved yet!"

"Aren't you about to achieve it?" Lin Xi said.

Lin Jian smiled and asked Lin Xi casually, "Do you want to go back to Taiwan for a visit?"

Lin Xi clenched her fists and tried hard not to let her face twist.

...

The bar where Shen Zhenghui was, though high-end, didn't mean everyone there was high-class. Shen Zhenghui and Shuzhou He were talking, while Seinuma Tomoaki and Fujido Kaoru sat quietly, occasionally whispering to each other. Just as everyone was enjoying their drinks, a man suddenly rushed out from a corner, camera in hand, and started flashing it at Shen Zhenghui and his group, then ran off.

Shen Zhenghui was momentarily blinded by the sudden flash and was stunned. Shuzhou He, however, immediately stood up and shouted "Bakayarou" (damn it) in Japanese. The man was already a few steps away, about to run out of the bar.

At that moment, a glass flew through the air and hit the man's head, knocking him to the ground. Fujido Kaoru then descended and skillfully pinned him down. Shen Zhenghui, now reacting, walked over and picked up the camera that had fallen to the side.

Damn paparazzi, Shen Zhenghui thought. The camera looked very high-end, with a long and thick lens, which made Shen Zhenghui, used to digital cameras, unsure how to use it.

"Paparazzi!" Shuzhou He walked over, took the camera from Shen Zhenghui, and expertly exposed the film, taking the roll out. "I don't know if it was for you or Miss Seinuma."

The man, who was being held by Fujido Kaoru, looked miserable. "You can't do this!"

The bar's security guards approached. "Please don't cause trouble in our bar," one guard said, with several uniformed men behind him.

Shuzhou He was fearless. "How can you let anyone in, even paparazzi! Bakayarou!"

Hearing Japanese, the guards became more respectful, lowering their tone. "Everyone who comes in is a guest, and we can't distinguish them." He then looked at the paparazzo, "Who let you in? Get out!"

The paparazzo whined, "I have a concussion, my hand is broken, I'm going to call the police."

"Call the police?" Shuzhou He sneered and said to Shen Zhenghui, "Let me handle it."

Shen Zhenghui nodded.

Shuzhou He said to Fujido Kaoru, "Miss Fujido, let him go, it's fine, he won't run."

"Of course, I won't run," the man said, patting himself off and glancing at Fujido Kaoru. "Give me back my camera, and I'm injured, you need to take me to the hospital."

Shuzhou He put one arm around the paparazzo's neck and held the camera in the other hand. "Let's talk outside, don't cause trouble here." Fujido Kaoru, still worried, followed them, and the security guard opened the door.