Chapter 15 of 100
Chapter 15
12 min read3,014 words
Journalists from major and minor newspapers such as the Star Island Daily, Ming Pao, and Eastern Daily gathered in front of the Kowloon Film Company like sharks smelling blood. Many citizens who were unaware of the situation thought a big star had arrived!
The number of journalists and citizens grew, affecting the normal operations of Kowloon Film Company.
"Mr. Zou, the investigation is clear. The Hong Kong genius, Wang Zhong, has spread the word that he will sign a consulting agreement with Kowloon Film Company today, with an annual salary of one million! So the journalists are here early to wait!"
The secretary returned after just ten minutes and had already investigated the reason for the journalists' gathering.
"Mr. Zou, do we need the public relations department to issue a denial?"
"The bait of a one million annual salary is our doing. If we deny it now, it would be a breach of trust and a mockery of the public! Wang Zhong saw this and acted with impunity!"
Mr. Zou slowly rotated the ring on his finger.
"I underestimated Wang Zhong. What a clever move!"
"Cancel all my appointments for today. I want to meet this young and talented man!"
"You have a golf appointment with the Secretary of the Hong Kong Government, Mr. Xu, this afternoon!"
The secretary asked uncertainly.
"Cancel it. I'll call Mr. Xu to apologize later!"
Mr. Zou hesitated for a moment but finally confirmed.
"Yes!"
The secretary nodded in agreement.
At 10 a.m., Wang Zhong appeared at the entrance of Kowloon Film Company, accompanied by lawyer Roland.
Instantly, countless rolls of film were used.
"Mr. Wang, what is the content of this agreement?"
"Mr. Wang, how confident are you in winning?"
"Mr. Wang...!"
Journalists swarmed towards Wang Zhong, hoping to extract some valuable information from him.
Fortunately, Wang Zhong had anticipated this and quickly entered the Kowloon Film Company building!
Although they didn't get an interview with Wang Zhong, the journalists were not discouraged. Instead, they gathered in front of the building in groups. Experienced journalists used their connections to try to get some exclusive news from inside Kowloon Film Company.
Mr. Zou was the undisputed king of the Hong Kong film industry in the 1980s, with his only rival being Sir Run Run Shaw!
However, Wang Zhong, who knew the historical development, knew that Sir Run Run Shaw would focus his main efforts on the television industry in the future!
Without Sir Run Run Shaw's balance, neither the Young Brothers' Emperor Films nor the Fat Hong's DPA could pose a threat to Mr. Zou!
Mr. Zou did not look tall, but standing there, he gave the impression of a towering mountain!
Everything seemed insignificant in front of him!
"What are you looking at?"
From the moment he entered, Wang Zhong had been constantly observing. Even Mr. Zou, with his remarkable composure, couldn't help but ask out of curiosity.
"I'm looking at a mountain!"
Wang Zhong's answer seemed irrelevant but also pointed to something.
"There is no mountain here!"
Mr. Zou, seemingly not understanding the hidden meaning, said aloud.
"You are the mountain!"
Wang Zhong replied without changing his expression.
"How many peaks does the highest mountain have?"
Mr. Zou also started to speak in riddles.
"One!"
"I don't think so. The Hong Kong film industry has a mountain with two peaks!"
Mr. Zou slowly rotated the ring on his thumb, seemingly pointing to something.
"It will soon have only one peak!"
Wang Zhong said with a smile.
"Are you sure?"
Mr. Zou asked with some surprise.
"Definitely. Mr. Zou, your empire is just around the corner!"
"We'll see about that!"
Although Mr. Zou was happy in his heart, he didn't fully believe Wang Zhong's words.
"If it comes true, you owe me a fortune-telling fee!"
Wang Zhong said with a smile.
"If it comes true, I'll give you a million in fortune-telling fees!"
Mr. Zou said with a hint of jest.
"I'm serious. Roland, the lawyer, is right here. Mr. Zou, don't go back on your word!"
Wang Zhong said, half joking and half serious.
Mr. Zou, looking at Wang Zhong, felt a sudden unease, as if he had made a big mistake!
However, although Sir Run Run Shaw was old, he was still very clear-minded!
With the help of talented people like Fong Yihua, how could he possibly exit the film industry?
Is there a problem with the Shaw Brothers? Or are they changing their strategy?
While Mr. Zou was in a dilemma, Roland placed the drafted agreement on the desk.
To be honest, Roland had no confidence in this agreement. Any person with common sense would know it was an unfair and tyrannical contract!
Sure enough, after reading the agreement, Mr. Zou's brows furrowed tightly.
"Mr. Wang, signing this agreement will be a huge loss for Kowloon Film Company!"
"Mr. Zou, what you did a few days ago was not very decent!"
Wang Zhong didn't respond to Mr. Zou's words but instead took out a newspaper from his briefcase and said.
"My subordinates were ignorant. I apologize on their behalf, Mr. Wang!"
Mr. Zou said he was apologizing, but there was no trace of regret on his face.
"This agreement is nothing. If the total box office of 'The Young Master' does not reach 8 million, all the terms will be null and void, and I will have to compensate Mr. Zou one million! My house, car, and studio in Central have been professionally appraised. Here is the certificate from Roland, the lawyer!"
Wang Zhong placed a certificate of assets in front of Mr. Zou.
"Mr. Wang, you want 20% of the total box office as a commission? That's a bit greedy, isn't it?"
Mr. Zou pointed to a clause in the agreement and said angrily.
"And this one, this one, this one!"
Mr. Zou pointed out several problematic clauses in succession.
"This is a gamble. It's up to you, Mr. Zou, whether you dare to follow!"
Wang Zhong, seeing Mr. Zou's angry face, remained calm and said with a smile.
"Follow? Why not! I must say, you are the bravest young man I've ever met!"
Mr. Zou glared at Wang Zhong for a while, then a smile appeared on his face.
He took a pen from the desk and signed his name in the party B section without hesitation, using the Kowloon Film Company's seal!
Roland came forward to carefully check the agreement. After confirming there were no issues, he signed his name as the notary and stamped it with the law firm's seal.
"Mr. Zou, Mr. Wang, this agreement takes effect from today! After 'The Young Master' is released, the law firm has the right to obtain the real box office data. Please understand!"
As Wang Zhong's legal representative, Roland had to be responsible for Wang Zhong. To prevent any uncontrollable situations like box office fraud, Roland's law firm would monitor the entire process!
"Very good, Mr. Wang. Although I don't know where your confidence comes from, I hope you won't regret it in the future!"
Mr. Zou stood up and shook hands with Wang Zhong and Roland.
"Mr. Roland, your professional ethics impress me. I hope to have the opportunity to work with you!"
Mr. Zou said with a smile.
"I don't hope to work with you, Mr. Zou, because working with me means trouble!"
Roland replied with a smile.
"Ha ha, Mr. Roland, you're really funny!"
Mr. Zou burst out laughing at Roland's words.
At that moment, Mr. Zou's tall secretary also entered, leading the two out of his office.
"Rulan, we can start!"
Wang Zhong nodded to Rulan, who was waiting.
Rulan, receiving Wang Zhong's signal, held the agreement and walked into the Kowloon Film Company conference hall, where journalists from multiple newspapers were gathered.
Rulan's job was to hold a brief press conference on behalf of Wang Zhong!
Most importantly, to spread the content of the agreement!
The Hong Kong media, like they had been injected with adrenaline, were stunned by the content of the agreement copy in front of them.
Wang Zhong actually made Kowloon Film Company sign an unequal agreement!
Although it felt like a dream, it had really happened!
If the box office of 'The Young Master' reaches 8 million!
Kowloon Film Company will welcome the most prestigious and expensive chief feng shui consultant!
Chapter 15: Ming Pao Serializes "The Legend of the River and the Lake," and a Feng Shui Appointment at the Golden Hall!
Victoria Peak Villa
The richest man in Hong Kong, Li Chao Ren, was lazily basking in the sun on the open balcony, accompanied by an elderly man in a Tang suit.
Li Chao Ren looked out at Victoria Harbor, where countless sailboats were moored. From the hill, they looked like small seals.
"The water in Victoria Harbor is clear and calm. The mountains on both sides form a protective embrace, a rare feng shui layout. The Moth Hill is the ancestral vein of Hong Kong, and this hillside villa is worth its weight in gold. The hillside villa has become a symbol of the top tycoons in Hong Kong. Unfortunately, Victoria Harbor lacks a scattered array of small islands, but Li Gong has ordered the purchase of many sailboats to improve the feng shui with artificial landforms!"
The elderly man beside Li Chao Ren was none other than the chief feng shui master, Mr. Chen!
Mr. Chen, originally named Chen Lang, was the patriarch of the Hong Kong feng shui community, the personal feng shui master of the richest man in Asia, Li Chao Ren, the mastermind behind Emperor Entertainment, and the godfather of many top stars. Although he was low-key, no one could underestimate him.
"You are wise, I don't have that kind of insight!"
Li Chao Ren said with a smile, waving his hand.
"Your young colleague has been quite active recently!"
Li Chao Ren pointed to the newspaper on the table and said with a smile.
"Young people, a bit of energy is good!"
Mr. Chen said nonchalantly.
"Aren't you afraid he will stumble? I remember you had high hopes for him!"
Li Chao Ren asked, somewhat surprised.
"The box office results haven't been announced yet!"
Mr. Chen countered with a smile.
"Do you have that much confidence in him?"
Li Chao Ren asked, somewhat incredulous.
"I'm not confident in him, but in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong economy is about to recover, and I agree with his opinion on this!"
Mr. Chen looked down at Central from the hill, as if he could see the rising energy, surging upward!
"The negotiations between the mainland and the British government have just begun. Margaret Thatcher, known as the Iron Lady, will not give in on the Hong Kong issue!"
As a well-known tycoon in Hong Kong, Li Chao Ren naturally knew many things that ordinary people didn't. The Chinese government had already begun secret talks with the British Thatcher government over the future of Hong Kong. This negotiation, which would determine Hong Kong's future, was closely watched by the Chinese government, the British government, and the tycoons of Hong Kong.
If the negotiations result in the worst-case scenario, the hot money in Hong Kong will quickly be transferred, and Hong Kong will become a dead port.
"The fate of Britain has already declined, showing signs of decay. The mainland, on the other hand, is full of vigor. Hong Kong is and will always be part of China. Hong Kong will never become a dead port!"
Mr. Chen's gaze shifted to the distant east, as if he could see a rising great nation.
"1949, the sleeping lion of China has already awakened!"
"You have such confidence in the mainland? It seems I need to start contacting them as well!"
Li Chao Ren fell silent for a moment, processing and analyzing the information he had. He had to admit that Mr. Chen's insight was sharp.
"Mr. Chen, I want to set up a villa in Australia. When can you come and check it out?"
Li Chao Ren, knowing the unspoken, changed the topic at the right time.
"Too old, too old. I don't like moving around much now. Let the young people do it!"
Mr. Chen, being smart, did not press further.
"Mr. Chen, do you really have such high hopes for him?"
Li Chao Ren asked, somewhat surprised.
"Supporting the young is our responsibility!"
Mr. Chen said with a smile.
"It's not just that, right?"
Li Chao Ren's eyes sparkled with wisdom. No one could lie to him, not even the chief feng shui master of Hong Kong!
"Because he is of the Daoist lineage. During the ten years of turmoil, the foundation of Daoism was destroyed. I have a responsibility to support and promote the new generation of Daoists!"
Mr. Chen thought for a moment and finally said in a low voice.
...
Ming Pao Building
Jin Tang looked at Wang Zhong with surprise and delight. Today, Wang Zhong not only delivered the article on "Hong Kong's Good Fortune" about Cheung Chau to the newspaper as promised but also revealed many design details of the Cheung Chau police station.
But this was not what excited Jin Tang.
After "The Legend of the Snake and the Dragon," Wang Zhong started a second serialized novel, "The Legend of the River and the Lake." After reading the outline and the early chapters, Jin Tang had to admit that this was a work no less impressive than "The Legend of the Snake and the Dragon"!
It might even surpass it!
Fantasy martial arts!
This was Wang Zhong's definition of "The Legend of the River and the Lake"!
Another groundbreaking work!
Jin Tang now felt a bit resentful, not because Wang Zhong had the potential to surpass him, but because Wang Zhong was not focused on his career!
A talented man in Hong Kong, a well-known writer, you don't want to be!
You have to go show off your martial arts and feng shui!
This is truly unbearable!
Wang Zhong looked at Jin Tang, puzzled. He had been so excited a moment ago, but now he seemed gloomy.
Is there a problem with my novel?
"Mr. Wang, this book gives me hope for the new school of martial arts. Ming Pao will serialize it. One Hong Kong dollar per character!"
Jin Tang took off his glasses and said seriously. It must be said, this was one of Jin Tang's rare moments of generosity. He was known for being stingy in the industry.
Wang Zhong didn't expect Jin Tang to offer one dollar per character!
Considering "The Legend of the River and the Lake" has over 3 million characters, that means Ming Pao would pay Wang Zhong 3 million Hong Kong dollars!
Not including the copyright!
If we include physical publication, film and television adaptations, Wang Zhong's earnings from this book could reach tens of millions!
Wang Zhong, who had seen money before, couldn't help but exclaim, "Damn!"
But spending so much money at once still made Jin Tang's heart ache!
Seeing Wang Zhong's satisfied look, he felt even more annoyed!
"Mr. Wang, your book is of top quality and worth the price. But you have to help me with feng shui for free, to balance things out!"
"Free is out of the question. At most, a 20% discount!"
Wang Zhong said with a smile.
"20% discount it is. I've heard about your style, always trying to get more money!"
Jin Tang didn't mind the money, just wanted to have some fun. Throughout history, there are a few people whose fees cannot be spared: doctors, carpenters, and feng shui masters!
Doctors can kill without a knife!
Feng shui masters can kill without a knife!
This is an eternal truth!
Gu Long said there are three people in the world you shouldn't provoke: children, the elderly, and women, because they must have a special skill to walk the world!
Jin Tang knew that there are also three people in society you shouldn't provoke: doctors, carpenters, and feng shui masters!
Everyone knows doctors and feng shui masters are not to be provoked, but few know the secret techniques passed down among carpenters!
The Lu Ban Jing and the Lu Ban ruler!
The Lu Ban Jing is somewhat similar to witchcraft but not entirely the same. Each true disciple of Lu Ban has a special ruler, the Lu Ban ruler!
Using this ruler to measure furniture, doors, etc., can affect the fortune of a family!
Although Jin Tang was very stingy, he was always generous with these three types of people!
"Mr. Jin, I will conduct a feng shui assessment of the Ming Pao building tomorrow. I hope it won't affect your normal operations!"
Wang Zhong said with a smile.
"Mr. Wang, you are too polite. I trust your expertise!"
Jin Tang said with a smile.
Wang Zhong, holding a three-element compass, stood three steps away from the front of the Ming Pao building, carefully setting the direction.
A compass is a general term. If we break it down, there are many types. The most commonly used are the three-element compass, the three-combination compass, and the comprehensive compass.
The three-combination compass, also known as the Yang Gong compass, mainly consists of three layers of 24 directions, including the ground plate, the human plate, and the sky plate, and is used for setting direction, eliminating sand, and accepting water.
The three-element compass, also known as the Jiang Pan or Yi Pan, is characterized by a circle of 64 hexagrams, usually with only one layer of 24 directions, the ground plate, used for calculating the auspicious and inauspicious directions of the period.
The comprehensive compass has many layers and complex content, combining the main layers of the three-combination compass and the three-element compass. Its characteristics include the ground plate, the human plate, the sky plate, and the hexagram layer of the three-element compass, as well as the main layers of the two types of compasses.
Since Wang Zhong studied Xuan Kong feng shui, he often used the three-combination compass!
19