Chapter 324: Cannon Attack on Hong Kong, Local Paparazzi Are Extremely Impolite

Central, Yung Kee Restaurant

Yan Li rarely cared about upscale dining when traveling abroad; he preferred seeking out local flavors, regardless of whether he could tolerate them—just to broaden his horizons and feel he hadn't come in vain.

Whether by coincidence or because Boss Yang of Yinghuang had specifically inquired about Yan Li's tastes,

the Yung Kee restaurant he hosted at was a renowned old-established eatery in Xiangjiang, famous for its roast goose, deeply Hong Kong-style, with pleasant decor and ambiance—not at all disrespectful to a distinguished guest.

"Mr. Yan, welcome to Xiangjiang. I apologize for the sudden invitation—please don't take offense."

"Mr. Yang, you're too kind. I came to Hong Kong on personal business and never expected to trouble you."

Boss Yang personally came out to greet Yan Li; they shook hands warmly and exchanged pleasantries.

Yan Li hadn't interacted much with Yinghuang, but neither had he been entirely absent—private industry gatherings aside, it was Yan Li who introduced Jiang Wen's "The Sun Also Rises," and there had been some dealings between them during the X-Zhao Gate incident.

Because of this, and because Yinghuang intended to shift its focus northward and cultivate ties with mainland counterparts,

Yi'an, as one of the mainland's film and television giants, was naturally a key target for cultivation.

Upon learning Yan Li had arrived in Hong Kong, Boss Yang, as host, naturally sought to court him.

Yinghuang wanted to build ties with the mainland; Yan Li also wished to establish some relationship with Yinghuang.

Yan Li held certain views about Hong Kong and Taiwan actors and capital, but he wasn't uniformly dismissive or Paichi.

If someone put on airs and acted superior, Yan Li wouldn't indulge them; but if they were willing to cooperate sincerely, he wouldn't let money slip through his fingers.

The three major film and television giants in Hong Kong were Mila, Anle, and Yinghuang—wealthy, resource-rich, with distribution channels, and confident enough to compete with mainland giants for a share of the pie.

Other mid-tier Hong Kong players like Jiaoyang Films, Oriental Films, and Silver Galaxy lacked such confidence.

A few years ago, they could still posture; now, the gap with mainland giants was clearly widening.

In another two years, as the mainland market further boomed and hot money flooded in, mainland film companies would go public, raise capital, lack no funds, and control market resources—then they'd begin to dictate terms to these smaller Hong Kong firms.

Even giants like Yinghuang would have to bow their heads, but their strength meant their position would remain far better.

As for Yi'an, cooperating with Hong Kong was profitable, but not essential.

The reason Yan Li still engaged was simply to prevent others from reaping the benefits.

Hong Kong's northward push couldn't be stopped; co-productions were gradually becoming the industry norm—even "Painted Skin" had managed to wrap itself in a co-production shell.

If Yi'an ignored them, Mila, Anle, and their big money and resources would be snapped up by Huayi, Orange Sky, and Bona without hesitation.

To fund your rivals and subtly create enemies—that would be foolish.

Conversely, if Yan Li cooperated with Hong Kong, he could leverage it to accelerate Yi'an's growth; more importantly, he'd reduce Hong Kong's collaboration with rivals like Huayi.

Cooperation with Hong Kong wasn't crucial—but preventing Hong Kong from cooperating with rivals like Huayi was.

Yinghuang took this welcome dinner seriously: Boss Yang himself showed up, several core executives came, and several top artists arrived as well.

Including Xie and Zhang, ostensibly to thank Yan Li for his help during the X-Zhao Gate incident.

The other party involved, Zhong, didn't come—probably to avoid awkwardness.

To be honest, Yan Li was somewhat impressed; he wasn't sure whether Yinghuang was heartless or these people had extraordinary resilience.

During the peak of the X-Zhao Gate scandal, Zhang and Zhong hadn't paused their work.

Zhong returned to work less than two weeks after the exposé; Zhang took a few more days, publicly filming commercials—even underwear ads—and they held out for a while until the damage and interference became too great, forcing them to halt work and lie low.

Now, both were still on hiatus, doing only minor activities; their teammates had also been somewhat affected.

No wonder Boss Yang hated Teacher Chen—if it were Yan Li, he'd crush Chen to death.

He nearly destroyed several of his cash cows in one go; no one would do something so ruthless, especially if it seemed to involve Yang's own relatives.

Yan Li hadn't exchanged many words with Zhang; reputations and shadows—neither was a good person, and with her husband present, he still needed to avoid suspicion.

Xie, however, chatted for a while. Yan Li had heard she was arrogant and pretentious, but he hadn't sensed it; instead, he found her surprisingly humble.

That's the difference in position, environment, and perception.

Look up, and you see cold backsides; look down, and you see smiling faces.

In recent years, Yan Li hadn't encountered many difficult people in this entertainment circle—even the notoriously hard-nosed ones were smooth and warm in conversation.

One reason was Yan Li's high status—no one dared cause trouble; another was his high EQ and lack of bad habits—he was always courteous and composed as long as you didn't provoke him.

As a result, everything was harmonious—everyone got along well.

The dinner ended pleasantly; as they saw Yan Li off to his car, a female executive from Yinghuang handed him her business card.

"Mr. Yan, Hong Kong has many fun places—if you find exploring alone too lonely, feel free to contact me. I'll arrange a companion for you."

Yan Li glanced at her—he remembered her: Huo Wenhxi, head of Yinghuang's artist management, and the agent for Xie Tingfeng and Sammi Cheng.

"Thank you, Manager Huo."

"Companion" meant what everyone knew—it was polite not to refuse the card, but he wouldn't call.

He wasn't that lustful, and he didn't trust Yinghuang!

After Yan Li left, Boss Yang turned to Huo Wenhxi: "There's a mainland artist from a company—I heard Mr. Yan gave him a word."

"Yes, the artist is Bai Bing—he signed with us less than two years ago. He's reportedly had some contact with Mr. Yan, even personally recommended him to Brother for 'Shinjuku Incident,' and secured him a Yi'an project."

Boss Yang paused, then said: "Investigate further. If confirmed, provide appropriate cultivation and attention."

Huo Wenhxi replied: "Understood. I noticed Mr. Yan took the card calmly—he seemed uninterested. Should I bring Bai Bing to Hong Kong?"

"No need. If he wanted to come, he'd have come himself. Not bringing him means he has other plans. We've shown proper courtesy—don't overdo it."

Given Yan Li's reputation, Boss Yang suspected he had women in Hong Kong—better not mess up by being overly helpful.

Moreover, even if Yinghuang wanted to build ties with Yi'an and form cooperation, both sides were relatively equal—warmth and caution were fine, but no need to grovel.

…

After finishing with Yinghuang, Yan Li planned to just nod at Xiao Huang Zong, but the man had blocked the entrance of the Peninsula Hotel waiting for him.

He'd likely seen Yan Li's close ties with Yinghuang and felt some pressure.

If Yi'an partnered with Yinghuang, the latter's Hong Kong resources and connections would make Oriental Films irrelevant.

Xiao Huang Zong had long positioned himself in the mainland, with ties to Shanghai Film and Bona; he could survive without Yi'an, but after building these relationships, and with Yi'an's momentum so strong, who would willingly abandon such a powerful partner?

If not for Xiao Huang Zong claiming he had a good relationship with Yan Li, similar age, and better private rapport, Huang Bai Ming would have come himself.

Now, Xiao Huang Zong had already pledged to his father that he'd win Yan Li over—if he failed, he'd be punished.

Since Xiao Huang Zong was the first to invite him, and showed such deference, and their Liangjia relationship was decent, Yan Li couldn't keep refusing outright.

"How about this—find a quiet place, have some drinks, and chat."

Xiao Huang Zong was slightly disappointed—he'd wanted to take Yan Li experience Hong Kong's decadent nightlife, but Yan Li seemed uninterested.

No wonder such a young man had built such a vast empire from nothing.

Xiao Huang Zong reflected inwardly—he'd need to learn from Mr. Yan, cut down on nightclub visits.

Yan Li himself didn't realize that Xiao Huang Zong's flattery and favoritism weren't just about status and cooperation—he also held a quiet admiration for him, bordering on fandom.

Two years ago, when Xiao Huang Zong first met Yan Li, he'd actually been somewhat resentful.

But over these two years, they'd become friends, exchanged views, and he'd watched this man, just two years younger than him, rise rapidly—from new industry darling to industry titan, even earning the respect of his own father.

Xiao Huang Zong's resentment turned to admiration, then to reverence.

As a rich second-generation, he despised and hated young self-made entrepreneurs—but sometimes, he admired and respected men like Yan Li the most.

According to Xiao Huang Zong, many Hong Kong second- and third-generation heirs admired and liked this mainland celebrity.

Hong Kong used to be a land of Fengyun and dragons, producing countless talents—but recently, class barriers had hardened, and self-made powerhouses had grown rare.

With none locally, even flashy mainland tycoons became popular foreign monks.

Xiao Huang Zong found a quiet bar, listened to soothing music, ate late-night snacks, drank, and chatted—it felt nice.

Just wish fewer girls came to hit on him!

Yan Li didn't know if he'd been recognized, or if it was Xiao Huang Zong's fame, or if his charm had made him the center of attention.

Only when Xiao Huang Zong pointed to his Armani shirt and Patek Philippe watch did Yan Li understand why.

In today's mainland, still in development, fashion and luxury concepts hadn't yet spread widely; unless you were a fashion-savvy white-collar, a gold-digger, or obsessed with such things, most people couldn't recognize a single luxury brand.

Take Patek Philippe—many hadn't even heard the four characters; even if they had, if you put the watch before them, they couldn't identify it.

But Hong Kong was different—it had been popularizing these things since last century; many girls knew high-end brands by heart.

Recognizing Yan Li was obvious; those who didn't knew just by his shirt and watch that he was a wealthy mark—of course they'd try their luck.

Yan Li shook his head, took off his watch, and the place instantly quieted down.

After all, branded clothes weren't especially expensive—ordinary white-collar workers could afford a set to show off; but a luxury watch was another matter.

This watch was a birthday gift from Fan Xiaopang—worth over 400, 00; no ordinary person could afford it even if they bit their teeth off.

Still, he was curious: "Are these people so sharp? Don't they fear I'm wearing fakes?"

In Yan Li's memory, Hong Kong's fake market was thriving and popular, with mainland tourists specifically buying them.

"Who cares? Just try your luck—what if fortune smiles? Besides, Mr. Yan is handsome and fit—even without money, you wouldn't lose out."

Xiao Huang Zong, experienced as he was, had guessed their mindset; Yan Li understood.

Hong Kong women were always open—criticized even by locals, almost becoming a derogatory term; for them, hitting on strangers in bars and one-night stands were routine.

Perhaps some really were drawn to Yan Li's charm—after all, Boss Yan's looks, physique, and aura were still quite impressive.

"Just a bunch of common women. If you're interested, Mr. Yan, I can arrange better ones."

Seeing this, Xiao Huang Zong immediately offered his services; Yan Li felt slightly annoyed.

What image did these people have of him? Why did everyone treat him like this?!

Yan Li smiled politely and changed the subject, bringing up some industry gossip and project news, then moved to business.

Xiao Huang Zong hadn't come just to chat—Oriental Films had rebooted the "Home Sweet Home" series.

The series had some fame; back then, it even lured in Leslie Cheung and Chow Yun-fat.

But years passed, times changed, Hong Kong films' dominance had plummeted; the days of local box office revenues in the tens of millions, with Taiwan and Southeast Asia scrambling for rights, were long gone.

To make money, the new "Home Sweet Home" couldn't ignore the mainland market—in fact, mainland box office and other revenues would be the film's main source of income.

Dongfang's longtime partner in mainland China, BoNa, has little interest in low-budget comedies.

Guangxian, however, which previously collaborated on The Warlords, proactively reached out to Dongfang Film.

But since Guangxian currently lacks reputation and depth in the film market, Huang Baiming favors Yi'an, which has strong strength and outstanding performance in low-budget films.

Yan Li has only mild interest in the Home Sweet Home project—it's optional.

Still, out of respect for the Huang family father and son, he will ask Yi'an to make an estimate; if the prospects look promising, he will choose to co-invest, otherwise Yi'an will only cooperate on distribution.

What Dongfang Film values most is Yi'an's mainland distribution channels.

Finding investment money is easy; the key is how to sell it.

As the mainland market grows increasingly developed, Yi'an, which controls both distribution and theater chains, will hold greater leverage in its collaborations with Hong Kong.

Besides Home Sweet Home, there is also Ip Man—Dongfang hopes Yi'an will give it extra attention.

This doesn't need to be mentioned by Young Master Huang; Yi'an is already one of the producers of Ip Man and will naturally not slack off.

After discussing these official matters, Yan Li signaled the meeting was over, giving Young Master Huang peace of mind and preparing to return to the hotel to rest.

Young Master Huang personally saw Yan Li back, then called his father with good news.

Huang Baiming asked about the details, was generally satisfied, and instructed his son to maintain a good relationship with Yan Li.

While Yan Li is in Hong Kong, keep in frequent contact—but don't overdo it, lest you interfere with his official business; the key is to cater to his preferences.

Everyone knows what Yan Li likes.

Young Master Huang said: "I asked him—he didn't respond. He seems uninterested."

Huang Baiming rubbed his forehead: "Who told you to ask? How do you expect him to answer? Do you think he'll just say outright that he wants women?"

"Yan Li achieved success young—he doesn't lack women, and he values his dignity. How could he ever ask for one directly? Just arrange it yourself. If he takes the best, fine; if he declines, you've still shown your sincerity as a friend. Even use it as an excuse to apologize or find another beauty—you'll gain another chance to draw closer."

Huang Baiming has one son and one daughter; his son joined the company early and is his designated successor, and now he is teaching him bit by bit.

He wants his son to befriend Yan Li—not just because they're similar in age and easy to talk to, but most importantly to pave his son's path and build connections.

Young Master Huang suddenly understood: "I get it—I'll arrange it right away."

Huang Baiming thought for a moment, still a bit uneasy, and gave his son advice: "Find Kim—she's an expert, knows how to arrange things."

Young Master Huang nodded. He knows Kim fairly well; she's done well these past two years, managing a whole roster of models and maintaining ties with many wealthy young men and male stars, even launching a queen of the music industry.

He couldn't read Yan Li's signals, so he'd let this experienced woman handle it.

…

"Young Master Huang, rest assured—I'll take excellent care of Master Yan."

After hanging up, Kim pumped her fist in excitement. Last time, during the Ip Man production, Xiong Dailin was kicked out by Yi'an but received compensation.

She personally accompanied Xiong northward, hoping to connect with Yan Li—but she never even got to see him.

Come on, although Hong Kong's entertainment industry is more developed, the mainland's growth hasn't lagged.

There are countless independent agents managing models and minor artists—everyone wants to ride Yan Boss's coattails to fame, yet none of them got the chance, let alone Kim, an outsider.

After circling around, Kim returned empty-handed—but she witnessed Yi'an's strength on the mainland and grew even more obsessed with the big boss, Yan Li.

Though the threshold is high, the payoff is enormous.

At least Yan Li is fond of women—this gives her a chance to connect. If he were only interested in money and resources, she'd have no opportunity at all.

Still, though Kim was eager, she never found a suitable opening—until fortune turned: Yan Li came to Hong Kong on his own, and Young Master Huang even asked her to help host him—everything fell perfectly into place.

After hanging up, Kim began researching how to smoothly connect with Yan Li.

Her biggest asset is Xiong Dailin—her title as Queen of the Music Industry still holds value.

But if she could connect with Yan Li, even Guo Tianwang wouldn't be beyond sacrifice; after all, Guo himself isn't faithful and has always been stingy with Xiong.

Her other two cards are Wen Yingshan and Baby—both are doing well, prominent figures in the mainland modeling scene, with some fame.

The rest have no halo or filter.