Chapter 296: Zhou Huimin, Who Favors Outsiders Over Family

He never expected that his favorite pen pal had adapted a novel by one of his most beloved authors.

Zhou Huimin confirmed the movie's release date and was just waiting for opening day to buy tickets and show support; if it was well-made, she'd recommend it to her classmates—it should be a topic boys would love.

She skipped happily home; it was June, and Amin's school uniform had already been switched to summer style, revealing the first signs of her long, slender legs beneath the skirt.

Because she had consistently trained with the school basketball team, her legs were not only long but toned—though she wasn't a good shooter, everyone hoped she'd join the cheerleading squad.

As she climbed the stairs, she noticed someone on the rooftop of the opposite building; after a closer look, it seemed to be Ghost Uncle and Bin Uncle—these two had gone up to the roof again to catch the breeze, what a fine mood.

"Bin, your undercover work has been a success. Haoli Lai has adopted some of the management practices you learned at McDonald's; efficiency has improved significantly, and business is getting better. But I still haven't decided whether to serve Western fast food." Old Ghost stood with his hands behind his back.

Liu Bin: "I think we should do it. Western fast food has truly high profit margins, but we shouldn't serve it in the old shop—it should be operated separately. After all, Western fast food has higher prices and is loved by urban white-collar workers and children, whose customer base doesn't overlap with ours; in fact, it conflicts. Putting them together would please neither side."

"Open another store~" Old Ghost mused.

Liu Bin volunteered: "If we open another store, I'm willing to be the manager and put all I've learned at McDonald's to use—I can even bring over a few experienced staff from McDonald's."

Old Ghost suppressed his excitement: "No rush, no rush. That old Charlie said he saw great potential in you—maybe you'll become McDonald's Asia-Pacific CEO someday."

"Boss, you promised three months, but three months turned into three more, then three more again—it's almost nine months now, and I'm starting to fall in love with burgers and Coke."

"Hold onto your true self—congee and cheung fun are your real home!" Old Ghost soothed his undercover agent again. "I've got good news—your son has arrived in Hong Kong today."

"Ah, Ah Long—he's where?!"

"I've arranged for you two to meet tomorrow noon at Song City. You can have a proper talk then."

"Thanks, Ghost Uncle." Old Ghost patted Liu Bin on the shoulder and told him to go rest, while he stayed to enjoy the view.

Central and Western District is Hong Kong's affluent area; this housing estate felt out of place here, and receiving his beloved grandson here felt like a failure, so he arranged to meet Wei Ming at Lai Yuen Amusement Park.

Unfortunately, Hong Kong housing is too expensive—ordinary wage earners need months to earn enough for one square meter. Even though he's now started his own business and Haoli Lai is doing well, there's still a huge gap between his wealth and what's needed to buy a thousand-square-foot luxury apartment.

So expansion is still necessary—but expansion requires money.

Wei Ming calculated his USD savings at HSBC Bank; buying a thousand-square-foot apartment in a decent part of Hong Kong wouldn't be a problem.

But he had no girlfriend in Hong Kong, so no motivation to buy a house—he'd better focus on his career.

The first thing he did upon arriving in Hong Kong was to meet his grandfather and fulfill a dream spanning two generations.

The second thing was to make money.

Doing business in Beijing required constant caution and policy analysis; here, there was no such concern—but as a newcomer, he hadn't yet figured out how to make money.

But one thing was certain: he had to boost the box office of *Heroes Rise in Youth*—at least to raise his screenplay fee and maintain his collaboration with Xia Meng. Qingniao's funding partly came from the Ho family—these were all connections.

That night, Wei Ming lay in the Great Wall Film Company dormitory, sharing a room with Ah Long; both were eagerly anticipating tomorrow's meeting.

He wondered why Old Ghost chose Lai Yuen for the meeting.

Lai Yuen Amusement Park was historic, a famous local Hong Kong attraction, as old as the People's Republic. Located in Tsuen Wan, New Territories, it was purchased in the 1960s by businessman Qiu Degen, who later added "Song City" as an attraction—modeled after the *Along the River During the Qingming Festival*—both a man-made landmark and a filming location.

Qiu Degen would later become the owner of ATV—but not yet. It was coming soon.

"ATV" was the name Qiu Degen gave it after taking over; now it was still called Rediffusion.

In Hong Kong's TV sector, TVB dominated alone; Rediffusion was the only company that could put some pressure on it—there was also Kaya once.

Three TV stations and two radio stations were all clustered on Broadcast Drive in Kowloon Tong, where the terrain was slightly elevated, forming a small hill—hence the nickname "Five Platforms Mountain."

Jia Yi no longer exists, but the nickname "Five Platforms Mountain" has been preserved.

Since there was still time in the morning and Broadcast Drive wasn't far, Time Micro-Manager Wei Ming gave Ah Long some Hong Kong dollars, then took Biaozi and Jingzi to visit Rediffusion's filming base.

Yesterday, Zhen Zidan told them Xu Xiaoming was shooting the TV series *Huo Yuanjia* there—Rediffusion was Xu Xiaoming's official workplace.

The lead actors of *Huo Yuanjia* were Wong Yuen-shan and Leung Siu-lung—the former as Huo Yuanjia, the latter as Chen Zhen.

When Wei Ming informed Director Xu that his group was coming to Hong Kong, Director Xu already knew the musician "Ah Ming" was him, and invited him to write a song—he wanted a grand theme song for *Huo Yuanjia*.

They had already commissioned Li Xiaotian to compose the melody; after confirming that Xu Xiaoming and Rediffusion hadn't hired another lyricist, Wei Ming readily accepted the task.

"Ah Ming, come here, let me introduce you," Xu Xiaoming called warmly after finishing a scene, and introduced everyone.

Wei Ming glanced at Wong Yuen-shan; he wasn't familiar with Wong's portrayal of Little Fish, and his knowledge of him came mostly from *Huo Yuanjia* and Zhao Yazi.

Miss Zhi, under thirty, was still too young for Wei Ming; ten years from now, she'd be just right.

After chatting briefly about their bright hopes for *Heroes Rise in Youth*, Wei Ming pulled out the lyrics he had prepared—Zhen Zidan had already shown him the melody yesterday.

"A hundred years of slumber / The people are slowly waking / Open your eyes, watch carefully / Who would willingly submit as a slave / Because of fear and surrender…"

Xu Xiaoming's spirit lifted immediately—the first line struck him deeply.

The following lines, "The Great Wall never falls / The Yellow River's waters roar," were majestic and grand—no wonder he was a genius nurtured by the mainland!

"Excellent lyrics, excellent!" Xu Xiaoming praised. "Perfectly matched our plot—full of patriotism and national spirit. You truly understand Huo Yuanjia. Don't worry—I'll find a singer worthy of this song! With this song, our drama will be unstoppable, ratings will explode!"

"It will happen—I have faith in your ability." Later, the song was performed by Ye Zhentang; Xu Xiaoming and Leung Siu-lung also sang it.

Wei Ming hadn't even considered payment when he presented the lyrics; he promptly asked: "Director Xu, you're with Rediffusion—can they help promote your movie?"

Xu Xiaoming patted his chest: "Rest assured—I've drunk countless bottles of alcohol over the past month and exhausted every connection."

In this life, the director was Xu Xiaoming, from Rediffusion—no one knew how much that would boost *Heroes Rise in Youth*'s box office, but even a mention in news broadcasts would help.

Xu Xiaoming looked at Biaozi and Xiao Wu Jing: "Since you two are here, would you like to make a cameo in my drama?"

Biaozi readily agreed; Xiao Wu Jing had no say—he was being fed meals, after all.

Wei Ming checked the time: "Director Xu, I'll leave them with you—I have another appointment. I'll come back to pick them up after I'm done."

Xu Xiaoming was surprised—had Wei Teacher already found a girlfriend in Hong Kong so soon?

After leaving the set, they waited over ten minutes; Ah Long and the van arrived—still driven by Xu Jin, but the car now belonged to them. Xu Jin's friend had sold it to them for 5, 00 Hong Kong dollars, though the car couldn't be registered under their names.

"Jin, you've worked hard—let me drive now," Wei Ming took the driver's seat.

He'd held his license for so long he was itching to drive; he'd driven right-hand-drive cars before—during his trips to Japan to visit Ah Long, he'd often driven his car.

Wei Ming drove slowly—it was an unfamiliar environment, and he needed Xu Jin to guide him and explain Hong Kong traffic rules. He didn't really understand them himself—he was still studying for his license and didn't even have a permit yet.

When they reached Lai Yuen Amusement Park, Xu Jin offered to accompany Ah Long to the Song City attraction—he knew the place well, having once sold paintings there to earn money.

Wei Ming went alone to Lai Yuen Zoo—Old Ghost had arranged to meet him there.

At the meeting spot, Wei Ming sensed someone watching him from the shadows, but he scanned all passersby and saw no trace of Old Ghost.

Only when he gave up and stared fixedly at the elephant promotional poster ahead did someone tap his shoulder.

He turned—and a scent hit him, not a high-end perfume, but one that stung his nose.

"Wei Ming, is that really you?!" Li Zhi stared at him in surprise.

Wei Ming was even more surprised—he stared at Li Zhi, who had tried to transform herself into a Hong Kong urban fashionista but looked awkwardly mismatched. He remembered her last appearance had been far more subtle—her light makeup far more elegant than this heavy, clumsy makeup.

"Comrade Li Zhi, what a coincidence."

"This is Hong Kong—call me Li Zhi, or Ah Zhi," Li Zhi corrected him. "Calling me 'comrade' is so outdated."

"Alright, Ah Zhi."

"I came out to play for the first time and ran into you—how long have you been here?" she asked.

"Just arrived yesterday," Wei Ming didn't want to waste time on her—he had a mission. "Are you here alone?"

"Yes, my first break since starting work," Li Zhi said, expecting him to ask where she worked.

But he didn't—he said: "That's tough. I heard there's a water world you can enjoy—go ahead."

Was he kicking me out?!

Li Zhi couldn't believe it—he hadn't even thought of treating her to a meal?

At her convenience store, colleagues and even customers had often asked to take her out—she'd grown increasingly confident in her charm.

But this man…

"Fine, I'll go then," Li Zhi's face fell, and she walked straight into the zoo. With her figure, water rides would be a gift to the crowd.

After getting rid of her, Wei Ming waited for Old Ghost.

Old Ghost, having confirmed no suspicious individuals were near Wei Ming, appeared directly in front of him.

The moment he saw Old Ghost, Wei Ming knew—yes, it was him!

Even without seeing a photo, this appearance was unmistakably a fusion of Old Wei and Ping'an Uncle—mixing Old Wei's carefree charm with Ping'an Uncle's calm depth, plus a touch of his own dashing charisma.

What a perfectly blended talent!

"How should I address you?" Wei Ming whispered.

"Call me however your family does."

"Grandpa~"

"Hmm." He answered naturally, then chatted casually: "Who was that girl just now?"

"She's from the mainland too—we met before," Wei Ming replied calmly.

Old Ghost felt sweat on Amin's behalf—that girl had been too striking.

Wei Ming added: "Can we find a quiet, private place?"

Old Ghost: "Follow me."

He led Wei Ming straight into the work area.

"This… is this appropriate? Someone might see us."

"What are you doing that you're afraid to be seen?" Old Ghost chuckled mischievously.

When Old Ghost brought Wei Ming to a place piled with hay, and confirmed no one was around, Wei Ming knelt down and bowed his head three times—standard, formal kowtows.

After completing the task Old Wei had entrusted him with, Wei Ming brushed hay off his knees—only to see Old Ghost had turned away, likely too embarrassed to show his emotional side in front of his grandson.

"This is what my father asked me to do," Wei Ming said.

Old Ghost was deeply moved—he cursed the little rascal inwardly, then pulled Wei Ming into a tight embrace, slapping his back hard.

At that moment, Wei Ming wasn't just Wei Ming—he was infused with the spirits of Wei Jiefang, Wei Anping, Wei Hong, Wei Xi, and Wei Le—he was not fighting alone!

Thirty years! Thirty years! I, Wei Senhao, have finally embraced my own flesh and blood again!

Wei Senhao—he hadn't used that name in a long time. In Taiwan, he had a new name; in Hong Kong, he was just Ah Gui.

"Do you know why I chose to meet you here?" Wei Senhao released his grandson and asked.

Wei Ming shook his head.

"Because the first job I found after coming to Hong Kong was here—many of the current staff are my apprentices."

"Then what do you feed them?"

"Because I like them."

Wei Ming: _-_-||: "I mean, what animals do you feed?"

"Oh, elephants," Wei Senhao said, pinching some hay and sniffing it like a quality inspector.

Wei Ming stared at the old ghost's gaunt frame; he added, "Back then, I was still fairly fat."

"Then why didn't you keep doing it?" Wei Ming asked with a smile. "Did someone find out you were skimping on the elephants' food?"

Seeing his grandson so carefree, Wei Senhao felt relieved—it made bonding easier.

Wei Senhao stood up. "Come on, let's go outside and walk while we talk."

So Wei Ming strolled through the zoo, listening as the old ghost recounted past events.

"Once, I was off duty, and my tiger…"

"Aren't you the elephant keeper?"

Wei Senhao: "That tiger was unruly; no one else could handle it. Only I could approach it without getting hurt. So I mainly cared for elephants, but also took care of the tiger."

Wei Ming's eyes widened—could this be the same animal affinity skill as Old Wei's?

No, we all share the Wei surname—it must be a genetic trait. Why don't I have it!?

The two small animals at home: Yin Xing the dog was wildly affectionate toward everyone, while Inspector remained cold to all—even Wei Ming, who had brought him home.

The old ghost reached a painful memory: "That day I was off. My Bengal tiger escaped due to staff negligence. The zoo guards shot it with a tranquilizer dart—it was meant to knock it out, but the dose was too high, and it died. I was heartbroken and left. But I still come back sometimes to visit."

"You're sentimental."

Wei Senhao: "My elephant is still here. Ten Hong Kong dollars gets you a ride around the enclosure."

"I want to ride! Can you take a photo for me!"

At the elephant area, the elephant "Tian Nu" was working. When a busty young woman climbed onto its back, it suddenly spotted something, abandoned its duty, and lumbered over, bouncing with the tourist on its back.

It was rare to see an elephant running forward.

But this terrified the woman on its back—Li Zhi. Was the elephant out of control? Someone, save her!

Wei Ming saw this scene: "That looks like my friend from the mainland."

Wei Senhao immediately ordered "Tian Nu" to stop. Staff rushed over to apologize and promised free admission for everyone.

The old ghost worried: "Go quickly and calm your friend—don't let her file a complaint."

Wei Ming looked at the old ghost. This elephant truly obeyed him—strict discipline. Far more impressive than Old Wei, who just played with animals.

He went over to comfort Li Zhi. She thought: So he's been watching me all along—he follows me everywhere. Hmph, if you want to take me out to dinner, just say so.

Wei Ming had no intention of asking her out. He'd just met his grandfather and had too much to say.

So once Li Zhi was calmed down, she turned around—and Wei Ming was gone.

During their earlier correspondence, the old ghost couldn't openly share many details. Now, face to face with his grandson, he could speak freely.

"Actually, you have a young aunt. She was arranged for me by your great-grandfather after I arrived in Taiwan. He wouldn't let me leave unless I left behind a descendant."

Wei Ming nodded: "I understand."

So he had two women? So have I.

In his past life, Wei Ming hadn't known the young aunt well, but he knew she was formidable—she inherited several of Great-Grandfather's companies, a truly independent, single woman of power.

"Could your father accept that?" the old ghost asked.

"My father had such a deep bond with my grandmother—they relied on each other for so many years. I can't say for sure," Wei Ming said, shaking his head gently.

The old ghost sighed. This was why he wanted wealth—to compensate his son. He carried guilt.

Wei Ming added: "For now, only you and I know you're alive. Even Xiao Hong hasn't been told. But I think Uncle Anping is also part of our Wei family—your half-son. Should we tell him?"

The old ghost glanced nervously at the sun. "Let's go find somewhere to eat first."

Since this place was near the sea, seafood was natural. A Long and the others would arrange their own meals.

"You can tell Uncle Anping," the old ghost sighed, "but he must keep it secret. This matter is too complicated to explain. I don't seek to clear my name—only to drift through the rest of my life in peace. But who knows if another political movement will come? I don't want him dragged down with me."

"Alright," Wei Ming replied. Then he added, "Grandpa, can you do me a favor?"

"What favor?"

Wei Ming grinned. "A small one. Just a small one."

They met again at the usual spot. Bin Shu was there, but the old ghost had already left—he didn't want Wei Ming's friends to see him.

Before parting, Wei Ming and his grandfather had agreed: the car would stay with Bin Shu, registered under his name. They were all on the same rope.

It was then that Wei Ming learned of Haoli Lai's development—and how Bin Shu was running a fast-food undercover operation. So Wei Ming volunteered.

"If you want to open branches, I can provide funding." With over a hundred thousand U. . dollars idle in his account, helping a company destined to be his own expand was no big deal.

Upon learning of his grandson's wealth, the old ghost became determined to open branches.

Back home, they immediately held a shareholders' meeting at Zhou Hui's house.

"But this time, we're bringing in a major shareholder."

Zhou Hui worried: Would her mother be disadvantaged in this equity expansion?

Zhou's mother asked: "Who is it? Can we trust them?"

The old ghost: "A young talent from the mainland. Have you heard of the young writer Wei Ming?"

Zhou Hui immediately said: "Mom, this partner is amazing—don't miss this chance!"

……

(Today's minimum update—back in my hometown. Will add more after returning to the city!)

(End of Chapter)