Chapter 6: Not Looked Upon Favourably

On the streets of Xianggang, Jiang Heng, who was filming an outdoor scene, suddenly received a call from Liao Qizhi.

"Hey, old brother, I heard you've been doing well lately!"

Jiang Heng chuckled, "Nothing compares to you, elder brother—you're already in a major production!"

"Don't talk nonsense,... hey, why tell you this? There's something important—Mr. Xiang of Yongsheng wants to see you!"

"Xiang Huasheng?"

"It's him!"

"What does he want from me?"

Although Jiang Heng knew Xiang Huasheng's intention, he couldn't help but say.

Liao Qizhi laughed and said, "Then I don't know—maybe it's because you're too handsome, they might make you the lead!"

Jiang Heng stroked his chin, looking thoughtful, "That seems not bad either!"

Liao Qizhi, however, put away his joking tone and said, "You still have to give face over there; regarding cooperation, you know what I mean!"

"Understood, thank you!"

After hanging up, Jiang Heng fell into thought.

Liao Qizhi was someone he met when he was doing extra work; though they were far apart in age, they became good friends with a decent relationship.

When preparing to film, they had also considered inviting him to appear, but there was no suitable important role.

Moreover, Liao Qizhi's current shoot had a heavy role, his schedule was tight, so they only invited him for a cameo, but their relationship has always been good.

People at Yongsheng also knew this connection, so they passed the invitation through Liao Qizhi, probably fearing that Jiang Heng, young and hot-headed, would flatly refuse, which would be awkward.

After all, the Xiang family is prominent, while Jiang Heng is just a greenhorn.

What people don't know is that beneath Jiang Heng's youthful, handsome exterior lies not only a Super Microcomputer, but also a heart with a mental age over forty.

He's no mere hotshot; he doesn't lightly offend people.

Naturally, Xiang Huasheng is someone to meet, but the film's distribution rights won't be easily given up.

To put it more precisely, he simply doesn't want to cooperate with Yongsheng.

"What's up, Director Jiang? Anything on your mind?" Yuan De saw Jiang Heng spacing out from afar and walked over, chuckling.

"Nothing!"

Jiang Heng shook his head slightly, seeing Yuan De smiling oddly, and said, "You don't have anything you want to tell me, do you?"

"Nothing, nothing!" Yuan De waved his hand and then said, "My elder brother heard about you and wants to meet you for a drink."

The elder brother Yuan De spoke of is naturally Hong Jinbao, whose stage name is Yuan Long; his achievements and contributions in the Xianggang film circle need no elaboration—just his connections alone are unmatched.

If he could get his help, many things could be achieved with twice the result for half the effort.

In the past, Jiang Heng would never have had a chance to drink with Hong Jinbao; hearing of the invitation, he naturally gladly went.

That night, after the crew wrapped up, Jiang Heng went to the appointment with Yuan De and Yuan Hua; at the banquet he saw many renowned film figures, but gained nothing.

How to put it? In the eyes of those big-shot celebrities, Jiang Heng is just a young person with some spare money, boldness, and a bit of cleverness—nothing more.

Those people chatted on and on, as if vying for topic dominance, giving Jiang Heng no chance to speak.

Hong Jinbao, who had summoned Jiang Heng over, also put on a big-shot airs, offered a few words of encouragement, then bid farewell to the others.

Yuan De, who had brought Jiang Heng over, felt a bit embarrassed and loudly praised the new film's explosive special-effects scenes.

Beside him, a person with a distinctive voice sneered, "The visuals look good, but so what? Can they even beat...? They'll just end up losing money... hehehehe!"

Yuan De's face darkened upon hearing this; after all, he was the one who brought Jiang Heng over, and he is the heavy villain and martial arts coach in that film.

Speaking like that, he really doesn't give face!

"Hey, don't talk nonsense!"

"What's wrong with what I'm saying? The visuals also look good, but they're still losing money hand over fist! Does he have the talent of a star boy? Those supporting actors with lines haven't even played a few roles, yet they try to be directors—careful, they'll lose their entire savings!"

As soon as that was said, the atmosphere in the private room grew somewhat solemn.

After all, this was Hong Jinbao's gathering; his speaking like that not only failed to give face to Jiang Heng and Yuan De, but also damaged Hong Jinbao's own face.

But this person is just the type who's thick-skinned.

In fact, in the original history, as early as 2001, because of his big mouth spouting nonsense, he was beaten up by many people, stitched with 29 stitches, and nearly lost his life.

At this point, he hasn't yet experienced that beating, and his tongue is even more unrestrained.

Hong Jinbao snapped, "You're going too far!"

Unfazed, he chuckled and said, "Everything I said is true—where's the excess? Right, little friend, do you think what I'm saying makes sense?"

This guy actually had the nerve to ask Jiang Heng.

"What kind of sense is that?!"

Jiang Heng snorted coldly and sprang to his feet.

What Liu Zhenwei said and what that person said are actually quite similar in meaning.

But the former came from a senior's advice to a junior, while this guy is purely mocking and making fun.

As for Liu Zhenwei, Jiang Heng can give him face.

As for this person right here, there's no need for that!

This person was genuinely angry enough to be spiteful; though small in stature, he's also a top figure in the Xianggang film circle.

Being almost pointed at the nose and scolded by Jiang Heng, who could tolerate that?

He snorted coldly and said, "Kid, if you don't pull this film early, you'll lose everything down to your underwear—I'll take your surname!"

Jiang Heng laughed and said, "You wish you could share my surname!"

"Pfft!"

"Haha!"

Everyone in the room laughed, giving no face to that person at all.

Even Hong Jinbao, who was preparing to smooth things over, laughed until he bent forward and backward.

Zeng Zhiwei's cheeks flushed red with anger; he pointed at Jiang Heng, his expression fierce, he threw out a harsh remark and stormed out, slamming the door.

The scene having turned out this way, everyone went their separate ways.

Hong Jinbao again offered Jiang Heng a few words of encouragement, then left.

Yuan De was quite annoyed: 'If I'd known you were this trouble, I wouldn't have brought you; this whole thing's messed up!'

Jiang Heng didn't care: 'Just a troublemaking clown, no big deal!'

Yuan Hua patted Jiang Heng's shoulder, saying, 'Better be careful,' then left.

……

Yongsheng Film Company—Xiang Huazheng stood by the window, cigar in hand, gazing at the outside scenery, then suddenly said: 'I heard you invited that kid; he didn't come, and instead went over to Hong Jinbao's side, where Zeng Zhiwei mocked him?'

Behind him, the refined Xiang Huasheng said: 'It's just a simple invitation; no time has been set yet!'

Xiang Huazheng said: 'Don't you think Xianggang could still produce another genius?'

'Really?'

Xiang Huazheng shook his head slightly: 'The Xianggang film world will never see another genius like Zhou Xingxing!'

As he said that, he slowly exhaled a puff of smoke, his expression actually somewhat forlorn.

Speaking of, Yongsheng Company a few years ago was as splendid as blooming flowers and as prosperous as a blazing fire.

Annual box office income was over one hundred million, around two hundred million, earning them more than they could hold.

What's even more pleasing is that Zhou Xingxing, who helped them earn this huge fortune, was paid far below market rates—one can imagine how enormously profitable Yongsheng Company was back then!

It's a pity that, with contracts expiring, Zhou Xingxing, Zhou Runfa, Wang Jing and others left one after another, and the once-mighty Yongsheng Film Company had become an empty shell.

Xiang Huazheng then started a new venture, Yongsheng Entertainment, which later became the Zhonghua Xing Company.

As for Yongsheng Film Company, they occasionally come by to take a look.

Xiang Huasheng pulled over a chair, sat down slowly, and said: 'I wouldn't dare hope for that; I just heard that over in America, Haolaiwu's big-budget special-effects films are exceptionally well done and do well globally. Since this kid knows special-effects production, I called him over to chat and cultivate him a bit.'

Xiang Huazheng said: 'I was just about to tell you—you know Xu Lao Guai, that guy who's always obsessed with big-budget special-effects films; we ran into each other recently and chatted a bit, and he plans to film Legend of the Shu Mountain Swordsmen, bringing an immortal hero world onto the big screen!'

Xiang Huasheng wondered: 'Shu Mountain Swordsmen? Didn't he already film that?'

Xiang Huazheng said: 'That one was made too early; back then the budget was insufficient, and the special-effects visuals were poor as well—he plans to remake it!'

Xiang Huasheng shook his head: 'Xu Lao Guai always goes over budget when making films—I really don't like him!'

Xiang Huazheng wondered: 'You don't trust Xu Lao Guai, but you're going to trust a greenhorn kid?'

'No, it's just that I believe strict cost control prevents risk!'

Seeing that he couldn't convince his brother, Xiang Huazheng gave up: 'If that's the case, I'll find someone else—when Legend of the Shu Mountain Swordsmen becomes a big hit, don't say I didn't bring you along!'

Xiang Huasheng laughed: 'Then I'll just congratulate you!'

After his brother left, Xiang Huasheng made a phone call and instructed: 'Just let him know—tonight.'

At the Clearwater Bay set, Jiang Heng received the invitation again, with a definite time and place.

Knowing he couldn't refuse, he naturally showed up on time.

In a restaurant decorated in an antique style with an elegant ambiance, Xiang Huasheng sat alone at a large table, slowly opened a medicine bottle, and took a few pills.

When Jiang Heng came over and saw this, he couldn't help but say: 'Mr. Xiang!...'

'Oh, an old complaint, sit, sit!' Xiang Huasheng appeared refined, a smile on his face.

'Regarding the matter of the past couple days, I've heard—Director Jiang, is there anything you need help with? The Xiang family's reputation, I'm sure you've heard of it; they've helped many people!'

Jiang Heng thought: 'You've helped plenty, but the problem is you've taken plenty too!'

He said with a smile: 'I can hold out for now, but if the day comes I can't endure, I'll beg at Mr. Xiang's door for a meal.'

Xiang Huasheng smiled faintly and thought: 'That certainly wouldn't be today's price!'

In recent years the film company has gone downhill, and he's also become obsessed with stock trading, well versed in the principle of buying low and selling high.

Even if he wanted to win over Jiang Heng, he would have to wait until Jiang Heng's talent was confirmed and he was in dire straits before making a move, in order to maximize the benefit.

Thus, although he was somewhat curious, he did not ask to see a sample reel.

The two thus ate their meal while chatting about nothing of substance.

Those who didn't know would have thought they were very close friends.

After the meal, a driver saw Jiang Heng out.

The restaurant owner walked over and said: 'This kid doesn't seem like a youngster; his speech is awfully slick!'

Xiang Huasheng gave a slight nod: 'I have that feeling too—it's as if the person sitting across from me is my peer.'

The owner said: 'Even if his father is dead and his mother remarried, he shouldn't have grown up this fast!'

Xiang Huasheng laughed: 'Perhaps he's mature beyond his years; maybe no one understood him before.'

'Getting ready to hire him?'

'Not yet the right time; let's wait and see.'

In 1997, the Xianggang film industry's decline was obvious, with major film and television companies cutting back production.

In such a situation, a shell company claiming to shoot whatever big-budget special-effects film sounded more like a gimmick, incapable of making any real waves.

Only Yongsheng's side still reached out to Jiang Heng for a chat; established giants like Jiahe simply ignored him.

In the blink of an eye two months passed; the filming of The Matrix wrapped up, and the main crew had a meal together before going their separate ways.

Only Li Meiqi didn't leave; her management contract had been signed under Jiang Heng's Youteng Company, and she was still waiting for the boss to arrange her next steps.

Jiang Heng, however, had no time to arrange for Li Meiqi; according to the film's schedule, he needed to rush abroad to a 'special-effects production company' to oversee the effects work—in reality, he was traveling around the US and Australia, indulging in various pleasures.

During this period, he neither considered the script for a second film nor did any other work—he was simply giving himself a vacation.

After all, life is about enjoying oneself when the time comes!

Otherwise, who knows—one day the chance might be gone!

After all, in both my past and present lives, I've never lived past fifty!

In early June, while Jiang Heng was sunbathing on a Hawaii beach, he suddenly got a call from Yuan De: the midnight test screening of Ma Yongzhen was scheduled, and he was invited to attend.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Heng sprang up from the sun lounger, saying he would definitely rush over to show support, then booked a return flight.

From the film's perspective, Ma Yongzhen isn't particularly outstanding; although Jin Chengwu's portrayal of the male lead is handsome, he comes across as very pale, showing no growth at all.

On the other hand, Yuan Biao's portrayal of Tan Siye is a very three-dimensional character, his presence eclipsing the male lead.

Even Yuan De's portrayal of the main antagonist Yang Shuang features sharp action and outstanding fight effects.

In 1997, when kung fu films were in decline, being able to see such a Chinese-language movie with excellent action scenes, Jiang Heng was still willing to fly back especially for it.

At the Jade Cinema, Jiang Heng held a Coke and popcorn, walking into the auditorium together with Li Meiqi.

At that time, Xianggang films did not yet favor elaborate premieres; they generally used midnight test screenings to gauge audience reaction.

This process was very stressful for the entire crew; if the audience kept laughing, the crew could still be somewhat happy, but if they were met with nonstop criticism, they could only slink away in disappointment.

So the crew members each found their own seats rather than sitting together.

Jiang Heng and Li Meiqi sat down in a corner; she first asked about the post-production status, then talked about her recent situation during this time in Hong Kong.

After a moment's hesitation, he said: 'By the way, Yan Zu has been inviting me out to eat lately!'

"Oh, how did you respond?"

"Of course I have no time—I can't work, I have nothing to do, my future is uncertain, so I have no mood to go out and play!"

Jiang Heng laughed, 'Just hold on for two or three months, and you'll become a big star!'

"Just tease me a little—I'm about to be fooled to death by you!"

"What have I deceived you about?"

"Heart!"

"What did you say?"

The sound in the auditorium suddenly blared, and Jiang Heng only saw Li Meiqi open her mouth, but he couldn't hear what she said at all.

He asked a question, and she merely shook her head, then turned her gaze to the big screen.

Not far away, Liu Zhenwei dangled an unlit pipe from his mouth, occasionally glancing around to observe the audience's reaction, his heart in his throat.

Occasionally, when the lighting was good, he caught sight of Jiang Heng's relaxed expression and thought to himself, 'Once your film is released, you probably won't be able to stay so carefree!'

(End of chapter)