Chapter 124: How Did I Suddenly Become an Uncle?

Chen Jinfei gave a round of praise, then introduced Liu Xiaoli and her daughter, and solemnly introduced Liu Tianxian.

"Xi Xi decided to become an actress after watching 'Lion Camel Ridge' in the United States, and as soon as she returned, she was admitted to Beijing Film Academy!"

"That's really impressive; I had to take the TVB artiste training program twice before I got in!"

Jiang Heng modestly exposed his own shortcomings, his smile warm, causing Liu Tianxian to lower her guard and say meekly, "I watched Uncle Jiang's performance as Yang Jian and thought it was especially good; the first exam must have been the examiner's fault!"

When those words were spoken, the room fell silent instantly.

Jiang Heng's first reaction was, "Am I really that old? How did I become an uncle!"

Liu Xiaoli's expression was extremely helpless; she almost wanted to pull the girl aside and give her a beating.

How can we call him uncle? He should be called brother!

Director Jiang is young and handsome, immensely wealthy, and still single—what a perfect opportunity and condition!

Chen Jinfei looked at Jiang Heng's youthful, handsome face and was at a loss for words.

This goddaughter is usually quite smart, so why did she act foolishly at the crucial moment? She hurriedly said, "Hey, you two are only a few years apart; you should call each other big brother!"

Liu Tianxian was momentarily stunned, wanted to change his words, but felt a bit embarrassed.

Jiang Heng smiled and said, "They say first impressions are the most genuine, so just call me uncle!"

Chen Jinfei quickly laughed, "That's right, calling you that works fine; from now on she'll call you Uncle, and I'll call you little brother!"

Jiang Heng heard that, inexplicably thought of Xia Luo, laughed heartily, "Alright, let's call each other that then!"

He asked Liu Tianxian about his situation after returning to the country; overall he was still quite enthusiastic.

Since they hadn't had a deep conversation on their first meeting, Chen Jinfei knew to stop, and when the time seemed right, he suggested taking his leave.

Jiang Heng didn't see them off far, and Li Xiaoping still escorted them out.

Back in the car, Liu Xiaoli asked in confusion, "Why did you call him uncle? He's not much older than you."

Liu Tianxian lowered his head and said softly, "He just looks like an elder when he smiles."

Liu Xiaoli was speechless, thinking how Jiang Heng could possibly look like an elder.

Chen Jinfei replied, "People in the industry say Director Jiang is young yet mature, acts steadily; seeing him today really confirms it. Xi Xi's slip of the tongue is no big deal. Moreover, I think calling him uncle is fine; he already bears the title of elder, so he'll surely look after Xi Xi in the future!"

Liu Xiaoli forced a bitter smile, thinking to herself, "Am I after his care for Xi Xi? I actually hope they end up…"

After a moment she sighed, "Fine, today we have this opportunity, so we'll have a reason to interact later. The more we go this way, the more acting chances we'll have compared to others!"

"Of course. In recent years, more and more Xianggang directors have been shooting in the mainland; if Director Jiang is willing to speak up for Xi Xi, the resources are plentiful."

Liu Xiaoli said, "That may be true, but people won't help us for no reason; should we give something as a token?"

Chen Jinfei heard that and couldn't help but feel a headache coming on.

Jiang Heng has more money than him, a bigger reputation, connections overseas—there's nothing good he can't obtain.

Choosing what gift to give is still difficult.

After pondering for a moment, he sighed, "We'll discuss it later!"

……

Over at Jiang Heng's side, filming continues.

During a break, Li Xiaoping said beside him, "Director Jiang, I think that girl just now has great potential; we should sign her under our banner!"

Jiang Heng smiled, "Oh, why do you say that?"

Because she has a uniquely striking beauty; you know, the entertainment world never lacks handsome men and beautiful women, but it lacks those who are both talented and distinctive enough to be easily remembered by the audience. That girl just now possessed a cold, transcendent aura, as if she didn't belong to the mortal world—how could we not be compatible!

Li Xiaoping thought for a long while, and for a moment could find no suitable words.

Jiang Heng couldn't help it, laughing, "Little Dragon Girl?"

"Yes, yes, exactly that feeling!"

Li Xiaoping was thrilled, pacing back and forth, "I told you, when I saw her I felt a déjà vu; she is clearly the Little Dragon Girl from 'The Return of the Condor Heroes', stepping out of the book!"

"Director Jiang, how is your relationship with Mr. Jin Yong?"

"We've had some past dealings; we can call it a nodding acquaintance."

After becoming famous, Jiang Heng returned to Xianggang, attended many high‑society cocktail parties, met Jin Yong, chatted a few times, and exchanged contact information.

"Then what do you think about remaking his classic wuxia novels?"

Seeing Jiang Heng's thoughtful expression, Li Xiaoping continued to persuade, "Mr. Jin Yong's wuxia dramas, when TVB produced them, were classic, but the era was long ago; the costumes, makeup, and sets were lacking, and the locations were modest. If we invest huge funds to produce them, it would surely bring substantial profit to the company. Last year's adaptation of 'The Smiling, Proud Wanderer' filled CCTV's coffers."

Jiang Heng felt a spark of interest; it wasn't about how much money could be made, but about how to make the special effects for the '18 Dragon Subduing Palms' look even more spectacular.

"Hmm, then I'll ask him whether the rights have been sold."

Although rumors swirled that Jin Yong sold the mainland rights to 'The Smiling, Proud Wanderer' for a single yuan, Jiang Heng believes that, given his status as a successful businessman, he wouldn't easily bundle the rights to 'Demi‑Gods and Semi‑Devils' and the 'Condor Trilogy' at a low price.

He isn't short of money, and the mainland can't possibly produce four or five films a year; even just accounting for inflation, royalty fees rise every year!

Thinking of this, Jiang Heng immediately dialed Jin Yong's number on his phone.

The other party, seeing the incoming call, was a bit puzzled but could guess the gist.

When Jiang Heng asked about the rights to 'Demi‑Gods and Semi‑Devils', he laughed and said, "What a coincidence, Zhang Da Huz just arrived in Xianggang, wanting to buy the mainland rights to 'Demi‑Gods and Semi‑Devils'."

Jiang Heng replied, "What a coincidence! Since he's already here, I won't block him; sell me the rights to the 'Condor Trilogy' and 'The Deer and the Cauldron'!"

Jin Yong quickly said, "If you film my work, I'd be thrilled beyond words, but friends are friends and business is business. I've never had a habit of bundling rights; I always price each separately. Still, if you buy, I'll definitely give a discount!"

Jiang Heng laughed, "Sir, you really know how to do business!"

Jin Yong said proudly, "Through the ages, literature has made the wealthy; I'm among the top, and I never get duped into bankruptcy by scheming."

That statement wasn't bragging; before the Republic era, scholars who wrote books were mostly impoverished.

But Mr. Jin Yong, in 1992, ranked 64th on the Hong Kong Rich List with HK$1.2 billion, a truly wealthy magnate.

Jiang Heng offered a few more compliments, thought for a moment and said, "Then let's do 'The Condor Heroes' plus 'The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber'!"

Jin Yong was puzzled, "Do you have time to shoot?"

Jiang Heng: "Of course not, but I plan to serve as producer; the two will be shot back‑to‑back and released next year and the year after, that should work, right?"

Jin Yong sighed, although he said he wouldn't sell in bundles, since Jiang Heng wanted two consecutive volumes, he couldn't refuse to give face.

"Fine, but Zhang Dahuzi heard about it and might go mad!"

(End of chapter)