Chapter 101: A Trip to Hong Kong

"Mani, are we going to meet President Yang now?"

Wei Jin sat in the Mercedes, observing the city. Although he had visited a few times in his past life, he had never truly seen the scenery of Hong Kong in 2006, not to mention the scene of paparazzi chasing them all the way, which was a rare sight in Mainland China.

Although he was admiring the scenery, what Wei Jin was thinking about in his mind was the Shanghai International Film Festival from two days ago.

At this film festival, his mentor Tian Zhuangzhuang served as the jury president for the Asian New Talent Award, and since Wei Jin happened to be in Shanghai, he went to show his support.

However, what he saw and heard at the scene opened his eyes, and he made up his mind not to get involved in domestic film festivals in the future.

Except for "Sky Dog" winning a Jury Award, all other major awards were given to foreign films.

The Best Actress award, which had been won by the same person for eight consecutive years, was gone this time; this was truly moving towards the international stage, or at least that was what the organizers claimed.

Wei Jin, however, felt it was somewhat ironic. Many awards were twisted in ways to be handed to foreign stars who only arrived a few hours before the ceremony; they could even win an Artistic Contribution Award, no wonder the media was lashing out.

"Yes, Wei Sheng, President Yang has already prepared a welcome banquet for you at The Peninsula Hong Kong."

As the artist director of Emperor Group, Huo Wenxi had come to pick him up personally this time, which showed the importance Yang Shoucheng placed on this cooperation.

Smelling the wafts of perfume coming from beside him, Wei Jin nodded and sized up this beautiful, mature woman in her thirties with an elegant demeanor.

"Mani, with your appearance, why didn't you debut in your earlier years?"

"Wei Sheng is joking. There are so many beauties in the Hong Kong entertainment industry; where would I even rank? I won't join in that excitement."

Seeming to sense Wei Jin's appreciation for her, Huo Wenxi felt a bit smug inside. She wore a smile on her face, but her words were very humble.

"Since Wei Sheng has come to Hong Kong this time, you can stay for a while longer to experience the local customs of Hong Kong."

Hong Kong was a place full of legends. Although the entertainment industry was no longer in its prime, Wei Jin was truly looking forward to seeing many of the familiar names.

As the car drove all the way to The Peninsula Hong Kong, the news of Wei Jin's arrival in Hong Kong had already hit the headlines.

"Mainland super director and Cannes Palme d'Or winner Wei Jin arrives in Hong Kong today."

"Emperor Group artist director Huo Wenxi picks him up personally!"

"Wei Jin meets with Emperor Group personnel at The Peninsula Hong Kong."

The car stopped. Wei Jin looked at the hotel in front of him, known as the "Grand Dame of the Far East," and felt a bit emotional. Both Shanghai and Hong Kong in that era were full of stories.

"Wei Sheng, please this way."

Following Huo Wenxi into the hotel, it wasn't long before the two arrived at the location and met the main host.

"President Wei, long time no see. Congratulations on winning the Cannes Palme d'Or."

Yang Shoucheng wore glasses and looked scholarly and quite refined.

"President Yang, I hope you have been well. For the distribution of 'Time-Space Cohabitation' next month, I hope you will put in some extra effort, President Yang."

Having already had one successful cooperation, before his own distribution channels were built, Wei Jin didn't mind temporarily entrusting all distribution business in Hong Kong to Emperor Group, and Yang Shoucheng was happy to cooperate on this.

"President Wei, you are too modest. We are paid to do a job, so it should be done this way."

Yang Shoucheng smiled. Beijing was too far for him to reach, but here in Hong Kong, Emperor Group still carried a lot of weight.

After some pleasantries, the two sat down. In the large private room, only the three of them remained with a table full of sumptuous dishes.

"When President Wei sent the message a few days ago, I was very happy. I never had the chance to participate in President Wei's projects, but this time, I have finally fulfilled my wish."

The Hong Kong film and television industry was declining, and Emperor Group, as a Hong Kong entertainment giant, was inevitably sinking with it. Looking north for cooperation was the only way out.

However, over the years, Emperor Group had invested in many Mainland filmmakers and participated in many projects, but they had never been able to break into the Mainland market. This time, seeing Wei Jin come as invited, Yang Shoucheng was truly happy.

"President Yang is too polite. The previous cooperation with Emperor Group was very pleasant, and I am also full of expectations for this cooperation."

Wei Jin planned to launch several co-production projects and preferred to cooperate with reputable local companies in Hong Kong. So far, his impression of Emperor Group was quite good.

Hearing this, Yang Shoucheng adjusted his glasses and signaled for Huo Wenxi to go aside and open the red wine.

"President Wei, I wonder how much the investment for this project is, and how much can Emperor Group participate?"

"President Yang, you don't think it's just one project, do you?"

Wei Jin's expression was somewhat playful; Yang Shoucheng's dreams were a bit small.

"Really? President Wei, how do you plan to cooperate?"

Yang Shoucheng looked pleasantly surprised; he hadn't expected Wei Jin to present such a big gift directly.

"President Yang can take a look at the script first, and then we can discuss the follow-up matters."

As he spoke, Wei Jin handed over the script he had prepared in his briefcase, then took the red wine offered by Huo Wenxi, appearing quite relaxed.

Ten minutes later, Yang Shoucheng put down the script, having made up his mind that he would definitely invest in these two projects. "President Wei, you can share your thoughts first."

"The copyright belongs to me. Emperor Group can invest a 40% share, but Emperor Group must be responsible for the film crew."

Wei Jin did not intend to direct personally. For films like "New World" and "Ip Man," many Hong Kong directors were skilled at them, and some films truly only had that flavor when shot in Hong Kong.

"I have no objection to the copyright, but this share is a bit too small."

Yang Shoucheng frowned. Since the project was handed over to Emperor Group to lead, they wouldn't even have the controlling position? "President Yang, President Han doesn't know about these two projects yet..."

Once Wei Jin said this, Yang Shoucheng immediately understood. Regardless of whether China Film Group participated, Emperor Group's 40% was already secure. Any more would be greedy. One had to know that "Zuoshandiao" wasn't just a nickname for show; it was better to leave that headache to Wei Jin.

"Fine, President Wei, happy cooperation!"

"Happy cooperation!"

At the dinner table, Yang Shoucheng proposed holding a banquet to introduce some Hong Kong actors and filmmakers to Wei Jin, as there might be opportunities for cooperation in the future.

"President Yang, the banquet can be held, but don't invite those whose ideological awareness is insufficient or whose stance is crooked."

Wei Jin's words stunned Yang Shoucheng and Huo Wenxi, but Yang Shoucheng immediately reacted: "I understand what you mean, President Wei. Don't worry, I will arrange it properly."

Some things are best left at a hint. By the end of the meal, both host and guest were satisfied.

"Hong Kong's nightlife is very rich. Is President Wei interested in going for a stroll?"

After the meal, Yang Shoucheng extended an invitation.

Wei Jin was also a bit curious about this, so he nodded and readily agreed.

"Wenxi, you come along too, and arrange some people..."

Hong Kong's nightlife was indeed rich; the streets were bustling with people, much livelier than the nights in Mainland China.

"President Wei, would you like to go play somewhere the young people enjoy?"

"That won't be necessary. I don't really like places that are too noisy; let's just wander around wherever."

Yang Shoucheng and Wei Jin walked down the street together, with Huo Wenxi and several bodyguards following alongside.

Listening to Yang Shoucheng chat about the gossip of the Hong Kong entertainment industry along the way was actually quite interesting; at the very least, the authenticity was guaranteed.

Hong Kong is not a large place, and at some iconic locations and tourist spots, they really did run into quite a few celebrities.

After the group wandered around for a while, Yang Shoucheng saw that it was getting late, and since Wei Jin lacked interest and his own goal had been achieved, he spoke up to give instructions:

"Wenxi, you take President Wei back to rest; make sure to handle the arrangements properly."

"Understood, President Yang. President Wei, please come this way."

Huo Wenxi opened the car door, while Yang Shoucheng stood to one side to bid farewell: "President Wei, enjoy the night in Hong Kong. I wish you sweet dreams."

Waving goodbye to Huo Wenxi, Wei Jin took his room card and opened the door. Just as he was about to take off his clothes to shower, he saw someone already lying on the bed and couldn't help but feel a bit alert; one had to know that this place, Hong Kong, was not exactly safe.

"Who are you?"

In the dim light, Wei Jin did not see the person's face clearly.

"Hello, Wei Sheng. It was Sister Mani who arranged for me to come over. My name is Wen Yongshan."

A young woman who looked somewhat delicate and had a somewhat youthful appearance stood up and explained with some nervousness:

Wei Jin was speechless. So this was what Yang Shoucheng meant by "properly arranged," but wasn't this arrangement a bit too young? Was she even an adult?

"How old are you?"

"I'm almost 18."

Although she didn't understand what Wei Jin meant, Wen Yongshan still answered honestly: "Isn't that still a minor? You should leave quickly; just say it was my idea, Sister Mani won't say anything."

Wei Jin didn't want to commit a crime, but he still left the young lady a way out.

"Wei Sheng, in Hong Kong, you are an adult at 16."

Wen Yongshan felt a slight fondness for the handsome man in front of her; at the very least, he was someone with a bottom line.

But Wei Jin didn't have much interest in young girls; he liked them mature.

Seeming to sense Wei Jin's thoughts, Wen Yongshan became a bit anxious. Thinking of Sister Mani's instructions, she told herself that as long as she served this man well, the company would definitely promote her in the future. Wen Yongshan slowly crouched down. The new book is now live; this is the first update today. I humbly request all readers to reward me with a subscription and a bookmark. Thank you, everyone!

(End of this chapter)