Chapter 37

This figure is really addictive—low cost, pitiful, yet the returns are astonishingly huge; no wonder gang members are all squeezing into the film and television industry, where you can actually see the money!

The earnings from a single gangster film can match the annual income of some listed companies; some are even less than a movie, while some listed companies are losing money just to make a shout, hoping to scrape a living from the stock market!

This success was inevitable; the film had been verified in a previous life, remains timeless, launched a host of stars, and also features many martial-world figures.

The production company, backed by a major gang, can recklessly fabricate nonsense—even a slightly small font could get the company struck off!

Now this golden egg belongs to Li Xin, so let him unleash its maximum value.

Film one every six months until box-office profitability runs out, then shoot other martial-world films.

Looking at the profit on the accounts, Li Xin waved his hand, issued bonuses, and gave red envelopes.

Only by seeing real cash can you motivate the employees; if you mix in some big promises, everyone will be pumped up like they've had an adrenaline shot, full of inexhaustible energy.

The red-envelope bonuses are paid in cash; the money in the accounts must not be touched, as it will be of great use in a year.

Looking at the chubby kid before him.

Li Xin quickly promised him a pie: "A Jin, you did well; for the next film you'll be director, I'll be nominal supervisor and producer—keep working hard, and later I'll give you some company shares."

That way you'd also be a company shareholder—think about it, doesn't working feel more motivated now?

Wang Jin tried hard to stay calm, but it was useless—his body wouldn't obey him!

He put on a fawning smile, his beady little eyes barely able to stay open.

He asked cautiously:

"Boss, how many shares can you give me?"

He felt it might sound too eager for quick gain, so he hurriedly explained: "Boss, I don't mean that—I just want to know the maximum shares I could get."

Just as he finished speaking, he zoned out, raised his hand and slapped himself—what's going on?

Wasn't he trying to explain?

How did he end up blurting out his true feelings?

Li Xin looked at the chubby kid's expression, understood what he meant, and inadvertently blurted out the truth.

That's no problem—people all want to advance, are greedy for money and lustful; it's understandable, as long as there's desire, it's easy to address.

No need to worry he won't give his all!

He tapped the chubby kid with his pen: "You kid, you're too impatient! Have you heard about the subsidiary's share pool?"

The chubby kid nodded: "Yeah, I heard each subsidiary gets a ten-percent equity reward, unlocked after ten years."

"Right, after ten years it unlocks; an individual can get up to three percent, or it's a graduated share grant—giving you a privilege of five percent, the maximum an individual can obtain in the company. Any objections?"

The chubby kid quickly waved his hands—his eyes were already small, now they disappeared in a grin: "How could I have any objections? Boss, these terms are simply too good to refuse! If you're still not satisfied, that's just ignorant of heaven and earth!"

"Boss, rest assured, I've signed a fifteen-year contract with the company; I'll definitely treat the company as my home from now on."

"What fifteen years? Where did that come from?"

Li Xin asked doubtfully.

"Boss, isn't the film company under my management? I just signed a fifteen-year contract with myself—the contract's at the law firm."

The chubby kid explained.

"You signed a fifteen-year contract with yourself?"

The chubby kid nodded seriously: "Exactly fifteen years—didn't you say last time you wanted me to be director?"

"Yeah, I said that."

Li Xin replied.

"That's it—after just one film I'm already a director, looking for a company like this! I've just hastily given myself a long-term contract; if the company grows big and you don't need me later, what then?"

"Boss, do you agree that's the reasoning?"

The chubby kid explained earnestly.

Li Xin was speechless.

"This chubby kid has something—people have shown sincerity, and he's not stingy with his own: "All right, work hard; I'll call the law firm and directly give you five percent of the shares—you'll handle the procedure yourself."

"However, these shares are also unlocked after ten years—no problem, right?"

The chubby kid quickly waved his hands—"What's the problem? He isn't even planning to leave."

He hurriedly bowed to Li Xin, lifted his head, and then said:

"Boss, rest assured, I will surely devote myself to the company, giving my all until death."

"Mm, work hard—I won't shortchange you. Each year I'll adjust your director's fee according to market rates, so your sweat isn't wasted; as long as you consider the company, it's worth it."

Li Xin thought for a moment, then asked again.

"Did you find the Liang Jiaohui I asked you to look for? The one blacklisted by Wanwan?"

"Found him, boss—this unlucky guy! When I found him, he was hawking a small stall on Temple Street; I signed him straight into the company. Should I call him over?"

"Mm, go call him to the office; I'll have a chat with him."

Li Xin said offhandedly.

……

The moment Li Xin saw Liang Jiaohui in the office, he nearly burst out laughing—wasn't this just a young version of Big D?

He's really too similar; unlike other characters, you'd need a template to spot a resemblance, but this one needs no template—he's the long-lost brother of Big D.

Liang Jiaohui, being stared at by the boss, felt bewildered: "Do I have something on my face?"

Why is the boss's gaze so strange? But now he daren't say or ask.

As a blacklisted actor, to have a film company want him, he felt like he'd burned high incense!

(After checking the data, I know it happened in 1983; the timeline's all messed up—hope it's not a big deal? I'm shocked step by step! I fear being flamed, so I'll try to let the nitpickers go easy on me!!!)

The ill-fated Wanwan Electric Bureau—damn, they made one movie and got blacklisted!

This is utterly unfair!

Li Xin looked at the somewhat nervous Liang Jiahu and said gently:

"Ah Hui, is it okay to call you like that?"

Liang Jiahu sat nervously on the sofa, hands on his knees, "No problem, boss, just say whatever feels natural."

"Mm, good, from now on I'll call you Ah Hui. I heard your girlfriend works at a radio station?"

Li Xin asked.

Liang Jiahu picked up his water cup, took a sip to ease his nerves, then answered:

"Yes, boss, my girlfriend is Jiang Jiannian. She works as a producer at Gangdao radio station. She works really hard, she's far better than me!"

When Liang Jiahu spoke of his girlfriend, his face was full of sweetness; it was only her comfort that let him slowly emerge from the blacklist.

Without his girlfriend's companionship, he didn't know if he could get through it; in his heart, his girlfriend may not have a beautiful appearance, but she has a heart of gold— ardent, warm-hearted, able to make him feel warm.