Chapter 186: We Are Lawful Businessmen

5:00 PM.

The film crew wrapped up early.

Dumu and the others had been waiting at the entrance of the set the whole time, neither harassing them nor interfering with their work.

"Big Brothers, we've finished for the day." Zhou Runfa, Fan Haisheng, and Liang Jiaren walked out of the set together.

"Please."

Dumu invited them into the Mercedes-Benz.

After Chen Jiajun finished his business, he specifically booked a high-end seafood hot pot restaurant to treat Zhou Runfa and the others to a meal.

The group found their way into a private room, where Zhou Runfa, Fan Haisheng, and Liang Jiaren were already seated.

"Mr. Fan, Mr. Zhou, Mr. Liang, hello."

Seeing the sunny, dashing, and refined young man before them, the group looked somewhat stunned; with such a grand display but such a young age, he didn't look like the so-called Dalao Jun, and they couldn't figure out his background, so Zhou Runfa stood up, shook Chen Jiajun's hand, and said, "Hello."

After sitting down and taking off his glasses, Chen Jiajun looked at Da Fei: "Have you ordered the food yet?"

"Big Brother, please take a look and see if there's anything you'd like to add." Da Fei hurriedly handed over the menu.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Runfa and the other two were shaken to their cores; the legendary Underground Emperor of Hong Kong, Dalao Jun—was he really this young and this handsome?

With looks like that, why be a gangster? It would be so much better to film movies with them!

"Add more seafood. You three, order whatever you'd like to eat." Chen Jiajun took the menu, gave an instruction to the waiter, and then passed the menu to the three people opposite him, Zhou Runfa and the others.

"Sheng Ge, Ren Ge, why don't you take a look?"

Zhou Runfa took the menu and passed it to Fan Haisheng and Liang Jiaren.

"Boss, how should we address you?"

"Chen Jiajun." Chen Jiajun exhaled a puff of cigar smoke and replied, then asked in return: "I wonder if Mr. Zhou has read the script?"

The popular young actor Zhou Runfa sat up straight, appearing somewhat uneasy, and said: "I have. After I received it, I read it through carefully twice."

To his surprise, it wasn't some sleazy film they were going to shoot, but a proper, serious movie script.

"The script is written exceptionally well as a whole. It tells a story of a man's grievances and vendettas, which is very captivating, especially that one line."

Clearing his throat, Zhou Runfa emotionally recited that classic line: "I waited three years just to wait for an opportunity. I want to fight for a breath of air, not to prove that I'm great, but just to prove that I must take back what I lost."

Although Zhou Runfa was currently unrivaled in popularity in the television world, every movie he filmed in the film industry was a flop.

For a serious movie with such an outstanding script, he cherished this job opportunity very much; he needed a movie and a role to prove himself.

It was clear that Zhou Runfa had indeed studied the script seriously. Chen Jiajun nodded: "Come, eat, eat, let's start using our chopsticks."

After the wine had been poured three times and the food had been tasted, Chen Jiajun invited them to the Golden Splendor Finnish Bath at Guojun Building.

As two nimble female technicians massaged Dalao Jun's feet, Dalao Jun smoked his cigar and waved his arms, hitting it off more and more with Zhou Runfa and the others. Zhou Runfa asked Chen Jiajun with a sincere expression: "Mr. Chen, how much are you planning to pay to hire me?"

Chen Jiajun held up two fingers.

"Two million?" Zhou Runfa was shocked.

It wasn't too low; it was too high.

Two million was a salary that only top-tier stars in the industry could command. Zhou Runfa suddenly felt dizzy; what virtue or ability did he have to be so highly regarded by Dalao Jun?

Chen Jiajun shook his finger instead and said: "Sorry, Fazai, you misunderstood. It's only two hundred thousand."

It wasn't that he was stingy, but that was the standard income for actors in the eighties, and Zhou Runfa wasn't a big star in the film industry; currently, he was basically cast in second-lead roles in movies.

He couldn't just inflate the prices of the Hong Kong entertainment industry.

"Damn it." Zhou Runfa cursed inwardly, then said: "Mr. Chen, a salary of two hundred thousand is very difficult for me to accept. Could you add a little more?"

"Bang."

Dumu, standing to the side, pulled out a Browning and slapped it on the table: "Fazai, is that any way to talk to my Big Brother?"

The young demon slaves rolled up their sleeves one after another, wanting to reason with him through force.

Looking at the Browning on the coffee table and Dumu, who looked strong enough to knock him down with one punch, Zhou Runfa hurriedly waved his hands and changed his tune: "Two hundred thousand it is. If I take even a penny more, I, Afa, will be your lackey."

A salary of two hundred thousand was still more than what he got at Shaw Brothers, and besides, Zhou Runfa really liked the script for this movie.

"Good, it's a deal."

Chen Jiajun exhaled a puff of cigar smoke, nodded with satisfaction, and said: "Fazai, don't worry, I won't treat you unfairly."

"Then may I ask when your company's movie will start filming? Also, have the candidates for the other main roles and the director been decided yet?"

Zhou Runfa began to consider the matter from a professional perspective.

"That's not a problem for you to worry about. In any case, rest assured, we'll start filming once I've adjusted everyone's schedules," Chen Jiajun said with a smile.

Having secured the soul of the lead role, Xiao Ma Ge, the next step was to secure the director, Wu Yusen.

The next day. Guojun Building.

Xu Ke brought the director personally selected by Dalao Jun, Wu Yusen, and Di Long to meet him.

"Mr. Chen."

The group greeted him one after another.

Chen Jiajun smiled and pointed to the sofa in front of him: "Everyone, are you used to drinking red wine?"

Before they could even thank him, Chen Jiajun had already stood up to pour them drinks.

Crossing his legs and sitting on the sofa, Chen Jiajun looked at them and said: "I wonder how you all felt after reading the script? Wu Yusen, do you have any thoughts?"

"Mr. Chen, my contract is signed with Golden Harvest, and it's an exclusive one. Previously, when I filmed a movie for Cinema City, I was already warned by Boss Zou." Wu Yusen held his red wine glass with a bitter smile.

Wu Yusen was currently living hand-to-mouth and was one step away from unemployment.

At a dinner party once, someone even joked and told him to stop making movies, saying he couldn't keep up with the times anymore.

The movie *A Better Tomorrow* had truly touched his heart.

"In my view, these aren't problems at all. I'll go take care of it for you immediately."

Chen Jiajun, however, looked unconcerned: "The question is, do you have any thoughts on the script for this movie?"

Wu Yusen immediately felt relieved; since Dalao Jun had said so, he would certainly be able to resolve these problems for him, and he also truly wanted to invite him to direct a film.

Wu Yusen cautiously said to Chen Jiajun, "Mr. Chen, no modern gunfight film has ever succeeded in Hong Kong. To rashly pioneer a new genre carries great risk."

These were his true thoughts.

"I know the risk is great. The mainstream style in Hong Kong right now is comedy, but so what?"

Chen Jiajun smiled and didn't take it to heart, then continued:

"The lead role will be played by Di Long, for the second lead I have invited the young actor Zhou Runfa, for the third lead I have invited Zhang Guorong, and Xu Ke will serve as the producer.

You all know Fazai is considered box-office poison, Wu Yusen you are a down-and-out director, and Di Long you are a has-been hero. Men will always encounter setbacks and have their down-and-out moments. The film A Better Tomorrow is a story about a down-and-out Big Brother. I hope you can capture your own insights into life and film them into the movie."

"Settle your hearts and tell a good story; that is the original intent of cinema."

"I hope you will put your heart and soul into making this film. If there are any problems, I will handle them."

"Also, tomorrow you will come with me to see your Boss."

The next day. Jiahe Film Building.

Jiahe Film was currently at its peak. When Boss Zou Wenhuai heard the news that Wu Yusen wanted to transfer to Hongxing Film, he didn't care at all.

Wu Yusen had joined Jiahe Film five or six years ago, and although he had once had a brilliant performance, it was just like a meteor—very fleeting.

In the last two years, the box office for the films Wu Yusen directed had not been ideal, even causing the company to suffer losses.

"A Sen, since Mr. Chen values you, you must perform well after following Mr. Chen."

After a brief exchange, Zou Wenhuai quickly agreed.

His background and ability were not simple; he had worked at Shaw Brothers as soon as he joined the film industry, later becoming the third-ranking figure at Shaw Brothers.

However, his achievements overshadowed his master, rising so high that Shao Yifu had nothing left to reward him with. As clever as Zou Wenhuai was, he had already realized his own danger within the company.

"When the cunning rabbit dies, the hunting dog is cooked. When the birds are gone, the good bow is put away."

Having implemented all of Shao Yifu's policies, Zou Wenhuai finally had a "disagreement" with his superior in 1970, left Shaw Brothers, took many of Shaw Brothers's top talents with him, and founded Jiahe.

They became the "Southern Titan and Northern Dipper" of the Hong Kong film industry alongside Shaw Brothers, fighting fiercely throughout the seventies and eighties.

As a big shot in the Hong Kong film circle, Zou Wenhuai had long since ascended into Hong Kong's upper society; he naturally knew how capable the handsome young man before him was.

In fact, when Chen Jiajun first stepped into the film industry, Zou Wenhuai had already looked into Chen Jiajun's person and affairs.

To summarize simply: this was not a person he, Zou Wenhuai, could afford to provoke.

In Zou Wenhuai's view, Wu Yusen was just a young man with some talent. Since Mr. Chen had personally come to ask for him, he might as well let him go.

"Boss Zou, thank you for yielding." Chen Jiajun raised his teacup, smiling brightly.

"Thank you, Boss Zou, for your care over these two years." Wu Yusen also raised his teacup at the same time.

"What are you thanking me for?" Zou Wenhuai picked up the teapot to pour water for the two of them.

Chen Jiajun took a deep drag of his Cigar, exhaled slowly, and then continued: "By the way, I came here today for one more thing. Boss Zou, have you considered letting me buy a stake in the Jiahe Circuit? The price is negotiable, and once agreed, I will pay it all at once."

As he spoke, he took out a Cigar, and Wu Yusen, who was on the side, was very observant and immediately took out a lighter to light it for his new Boss.

The reason he wanted to buy a stake in the Jiahe Circuit was mainly for future considerations; his true goal was to build a media empire.

And then make this media empire a vehicle for the image and promotion of Guojun Group and Hongxing Group.

After listening, Zou Wenhuai shook his head and smiled bitterly: "Mr. Chen, our Jiahe Circuit is currently operating well, and we have no need for financing."

His tone already implied a refusal. At this time, he was fighting fiercely with Shaw Brothers Film and was determined to decide who was superior; how could he rashly let Chen Jiajun buy a stake?

Furthermore, one must know that Chen Jiajun was the Dragon Head of Hongxing, and Zou Wenhuai did not want any triad forces involved in his circuit.

Dumu, who was on the side, immediately slapped the table and shouted: "Screw you! Are you..."

"Dumu."

Chen Jiajun stopped him in time. He looked up at Zou Wenhuai: "My subordinate is a bit impulsive and doesn't know etiquette. I'm sorry. Also, regarding the issue of the Jiahe Circuit, if you change your mind in the future, call me anytime."

"Sorry to bother you."

After saying this, Chen Jiajun stood up, smiled, and waved his hand.

He walked out of the Jiahe Circuit and got into the Mercedes-Benz Pullman.

Zhang Guorong called: "Mr. Chen, it's me, Leslie."

"Leslie, have you considered it?" Chen Jiajun picked up the mobile phone.

"Mr. Chen, you invited me to make a movie, of course I agree." Zhang Guorong was all smiles.

"You should think it over clearly. The director, the lead, and the second lead are all has-beens."

Chen Jiajun said, taking a puff of his Cigar.

"Mr. Chen, I really like this movie. I've already talked to my agent, I will clear my schedule, and I'll come no matter how many days it takes to film." Zhang Guorong explained shyly.

Wu Yusen, listening from the side, was secretly delighted. He had already worn the edges of the script for A Better Tomorrow thin from reading it; for the role of Song Zijie in the play, it couldn't be more appropriate for a fresh young actor like Zhang Guorong to play it.

"Alright, I'll have someone notify you to come for a meeting at any time."

After hanging up the phone, Chen Jiajun said to Dumu: "Dumu, send someone to investigate Zou Wenhuai immediately. I want to offer him a condition he cannot refuse. Do you understand what to do?"

"Understood. I'll go call Old Yu to do the dirty work. Should it be a finger or a leg?"

Dumu said, taking out his mobile phone.

"Damn! We are legitimate businessmen, philanthropists! How can we do such things?"

Chen Jiajun glared, righteous and stern.

"Understood." Dumu grinned, revealing a rugged smile.

"Damn." On the side, Wu Yusen felt a tremor in his heart.

So this is the underworld.

(End of chapter)