Chapter 466

The predecessor of *Maniac Comics* was the Shangguan brothers' *Good News*, who sold their business and apprentices to Wei Ming and defected to Huang Huang Yulang, though Huang Huang Yulang has now fallen from grace.

In today's Hong Kong comic scene, the Maniac and Huang Yulang factions each hold roughly 60% and 30% of the market, with the remaining 10% split among individual titles like *Old Master Q*.

Aside from single-volume sales, where Huang Yulang still retains some dignity, Maniac dominates in magazine circulation and merchandise development.

Huang Huang Yulang had considered using unconventional means to hinder *Maniac Comics*—such as crippling a top-tier artist's hand.

But Liu Liu Rulong was no pushover; though he looked plump and cuddly, like a panda, he was once a ruthless figure who rose to third-in-command of a syndicate in postwar Japan.

He kept close watch on Huang Yulang International's moves; as soon as Huang Huang Yulang showed signs of action, suspicious Big Circle gang members appeared near Huang Yulang International, followed by dozens of blood-splattered dead rats suddenly appearing on Huang Huang Yulang's bed—so terrified was he that he immediately sent word to make peace.

Had it not been for the fact that Wei Ming was the boss of *Maniac Comics* and his reputation mattered, Ah Long would have gone straight for a direct confrontation with Huang Huang Yulang.

Ah Long not only had connections with the Big Circle gang but, through Lao Gui, had also befriended several brothers surnamed Xiang, and through Wei Ming, had met numerous senior Chinese officials stationed in Hong Kong—he held many cards.

Since then, Huang Yulang International had declined sharply; even the chief artist of *Chinese Hero* defected to *Maniac Comics*, and the *Chinese Hero* story was nearly cut short.

Under these circumstances, the Shangguan brothers realized there was no future staying with Huang Yulang International, yet they feared they couldn't match Liu Liu Rulong if they started anew, so they began courting *Maniac Comics*.

"They're different from others—most of our artists are their apprentices. I worry they'll meddle once they join, but I also fear they won't take orders from me—that's a problem too."

Wei Ming: "But their departure from Huang Yulang International weakens the enemy and strengthens us."

"Exactly. So I must get them out of Huang Yulang International. I thought of having them sign cooperation agreements instead of joining the company outright—this way they remain independent individuals, preserving their dignity while not disrupting *Maniac Comics*' momentum. If they produce good work, we can serialize it."

"A perfect solution." Wei Ming nodded. "This contract needs careful drafting—consult with Xiao Gu. Treat them differently from our in-house contracted artists. Even if Huang Yulang International collapses one day, we'll still welcome Mr. Huang Huang Yulang's submissions to *Maniac Comics*."

Next, the two continued discussing the sequel plot of *Dragon Ball*, and Wei Ming revealed some details about the Piccolo Daimao arc and even the Saiyan arc.

But those elements wouldn't be touched until next year or later—what a grand, sweeping story it was.

Thanks to *Dragon Ball*'s massive success, Langning Factory had already begun developing toys based on it. Ah Long was now wealthy, and with property prices crashing, the couple had started house-hunting.

At noon, the two ate together nearby, just the two of them. Over dinner, Ah Long confessed to Wei Ming: "Ah Ying might have guessed about you and Ah Min. I don't know if she told Second Sister."

Wei Ming nodded calmly. Ah Long admired him—this must be the self-discipline of a player; even when he joked with female colleagues at work, he felt guilty.

In truth, Wei Ming knew Xue Jie and Lin Jie must also suspect—after all, they'd recently heard the name Zhou Zhou Huimin often on the mainland.

An album titled *Impression·Zhou Zhou Huimin*, with the lead single *Pink Memories*, was quietly sweeping the mainland. Only then did they realize Wei Ming had written so many songs for that Hong Kong pen pal—and many were love songs that made one blush and tremble.

Wei Ming knew it would be extremely difficult for Xue Jie and Lin Jie, who had already accepted each other, to now accept another young sister; Ah Min certainly wouldn't want anyone sharing Ah Ming-gege either—but he couldn't bear to let go of either.

Man, your name is greed!

After dinner, Wei Ming drove to pick up Ah Min, then returned to the hotel. Wei Ming needed to change into more formal attire; Ah Min didn't care—she'd be sitting in the audience.

Though Zhou Zhou Huimin was now a star, she wasn't professional and had no interest in public exposure—she simply wanted to accompany her boyfriend through this task.

This deliberate reduction in visibility made fans more eager to buy her records, for beyond listening to albums, Vivian's fans rarely had the chance to hear her sing in public.

The second Hong Kong Film Awards ceremony was far more formal than the last: more stars attended, every major company showed up to support, and the organizers sold broadcast rights to TVB, so tonight's ceremony would be televised.

TVB's willingness to invest was partly to counter ATV's flagship show *The Millionaire*, which aired tonight as well.

Qiu Qiu Degen was now certain this was a million-dollar concept—but what Wei Ming received went far beyond a million: the naming rights went directly to Haoli Lai, plus two minutes of mid-show ads. Only now did he realize how valuable a sponsor could be—several renowned Hong Kong jewelry firms wanted to pay top price for naming rights, but Haoli Lai had signed a three-year contract.

Still, other ad slots brought ATV substantial revenue. Originally thought to be a money-losing show that only gained publicity, it was now profitable through advertising—even if it awarded a million-dollar prize, it still turned a profit.

At Wan Chai Bay, the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts Opera House had just been completed, funded by the Hong Kong government and the Jockey Club; enrollment wouldn't begin until next year.

Wei Ming and Ah Min arrived there at seven. This time, they'd even arranged a red carpet.

Ah Min didn't want to draw attention—she took her ticket and entered through the audience entrance wearing a mask.

Wei Ming walked straight onto the red carpet; ahead of him was Chen Zhou Huimin, a man as famous as Ah Min. He'd been nominated for Best Actor for *Killing in Love Street*, which surprised Wei Ming.

After seating, Wei Ming found someone already beside him: Hung Jambao.

"Small world."

"Yeah, you got nominated for quite a few awards this time, right?"

Hung Jambao asked: "Guess how many you think I'll win."

He was nominated for three: Best Director, Best Actor, Best Action Design.

Wei Ming said: "Two. Best Director will definitely go to Xu Xu Anhua."

Before Hung Fat could respond, a voice came from behind: "Then I'll take your good wishes."

"Auntie Hai Xia." Wei Ming turned—Hai Xia Meng had already sat beside him.

"Then how many awards do you think *The Runaway* will win?" she asked with a smile.

Wei Ming replied: "Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay are certain. Add two minor awards—Qingniao will definitely be tonight's biggest winner."

Hearing this, Hai Xia Meng signaled to Xu Xu Anhua in the back row—she'd overheard, and smiled shyly, waving her hands in denial.

Last year's *The Runaway* had been a stunning success, grossing 15 million without relying on the Taiwan market.

Its critical reception was even better—it received nominations for most of the Golden Horse awards, solidifying Hai Xia Meng's strategy of collaborating with the mainland on artistic films.

Recently, she'd received another script—a dual female lead story, but it needed a mainland actress.

While waiting for the ceremony to begin, Hai Xia Meng mentioned to Wei Ming: "Are you familiar with Sister Siqin Siqin Gaowa?"

Not as familiar as Gong Ying or Zhu Lin, "We've met a few times. Why?"

"Qingniao's new film plans to cast her. When you return to Beijing, could you deliver the script for me?"

Sister Siqin Siqin Gaowa, Hong Kong film—Wei Ming understood: it must be *Like a Dream*, the film that made Sister Siqin Siqin Gaowa Hong Kong's first mainland-born Best Actress.

Due to the script's setting, only Sister Siqin Siqin Gaowa could play this role—neither Xue Jie nor Lin Jie fit.

The other female lead's appearance and demeanor were close to Xue Jie's—a beautiful, refined woman—but Xue Jie lacked the Hong Kong flair; she'd never even been to Hong Kong.

"No problem," Wei Ming agreed readily.

No sooner had he spoken than someone beside Hung Jambao called out to him—he turned and saw a bald man: Mak Ka.

Though rivals, Hung Jambao and Mak Ka were friends and chatted warmly.

Mak Ka was riding high—*The Best of the Best 2* was still a box-office smash; Cheng Long wasn't a match—oh, wait, this time it was Cheng Long + Wei Ming.

At first, he'd been genuinely afraid, thinking Wei Ming's script must be some kind of monster—but look, he'd still crushed it.

"Oh, isn't this Mr. Wei? Bai Ming, come meet him," Mak Ka said to Huang Huang Baiming beside him. "You're both 'Ming'—in screenwriting, besides you, only Mr. Wei stands out."

The subtext was clear—he was implying Wei Ming's scripts were inferior to Huang Huang Baiming's.

Huang Huang Baiming adjusted his glasses and humbly replied: "Mr. Wei writes scripts only as a casual pastime—it's not fair to compare."

This bald man was truly insufferable. Huang Huang Baiming was still modest, but at this moment, Wei Ming could only respond by making him look foolish—to make Mak Ka look foolish too.

He smiled: "Huang Huang Baiming's scripts are truly peerless in Hong Kong. Nearly all of Xinyicheng's biggest hits came from his pen—I deeply admire him. By the way, Mr. Huang, since *The Best of the Best* was such a hit, how much did you get for your screenwriting fee?"

"Ah, that's… a business secret. Can't reveal it," Huang Huang Baiming replied with a restrained smile—he was actually very pleased.

"What business secret? What's there to hide? I'll tell you—I got one million for writing *Project A*."

"W-what?!" Huang Huang Baiming was stunned. Even his share of the profits from *The Best of the Best 2* hadn't reached one million!

*Project A*'s Hong Kong box office barely broke even, maybe even a small loss; it made money through overseas rights—but Huang Huang Baiming was Xinyicheng's smallest shareholder. As a shareholder, his script fee was merely a token gesture—he never pressed for more.

Seeing Huang Huang Baiming visibly shaken, Mak Ka, as the second-largest individual shareholder after the financier, sneered: "Who doesn't brag? One million? You think this is Hollywood?"

Having been mocked before over "one million," Mak Ka had learned his lesson—he now conceded Wei Ming might earn that in Hollywood, but this was Hong Kong.

Wei Ming chuckled and turned to Hung Jambao.

Hung Fat sighed—he didn't really want to get too close to Wei Ming; he was from the mainland. Who knew how the Hong Kong British government would end up negotiating with the mainland?

But as someone in the know, he had to speak up: "Baldy, Mr. Wei isn't lying. He really got one million for *Project A*. Mr. Zou even had the check ready."