NABC Chapter 99 Best Investors
Chapter 99 Best Investors
Chapter 99 Best Investors
Looking into Xiang Huaqiang's expectant eyes, his undisguised longing for the silver screen, Qin Han could only smile bitterly to himself.
Faced with this enthusiasm, various legends about this "Dragon Five" from his past life surfaced in his mind.
This young master is indeed a true movie enthusiast.
To fulfill his youngest son's dream of becoming a star, Mr. Xiang Qian poured real money into investing in a series of kung fu films specifically for him.
The result? A disastrous one.
No matter how the script was written, or how beautiful the actresses he co-starred with were, as soon as the camera focused on Xiang Huaqiang, he would freeze as if he were reciting a text.
This "unique" acting style has been jokingly referred to by cynical Hong Kong film critics as "the culmination of expressionless acting."
Many years later, the maverick Wong Jing took a different approach: since you can't make expressions, why not just play a role that doesn't require expressions?
Thus, the bodyguard "Long Wu," who only knew how to fire a gun and always had a cold face, became the peak that Xiang Huaqiang could never surpass in his acting career.
This powerful gene was perfectly passed down to his son, Xiang You, who, decades later, contributed countless awkward yet hilarious moments to the Chinese entertainment industry.
However, although his performance as an actor was dismal, he had an amazing sense of opportunity when it came to investing in films.
Later, he signed a series of top stars in the Chinese film industry, including Andy Lau, Stephen Chow, and Chow Yun-fat, creating the third dynasty of Hong Kong cinema after Shaw Brothers and Golden Harvest!
"Brother Xiang." Qin Han put down his teacup, his gaze lingering on Xiang Huaqiang's handsome face for a moment, before deciding to play the cruel "villain."
Do you think you're suited to standing in front of the camera?
Xiang Huaqiang was taken aback, seemingly not expecting Qin Han to ask such a question: "Mr. Qin, I believe I have passion, and I'm willing to practice—"
"Passion and talent are two different things." Qin Han carefully chose his words to avoid discouraging the young master: "While we were chatting just now, I was observing you. You have a very masculine appearance, which is a symbol of a wealthy family."
"But actors need to speak with their faces; every expression is part of the performance. And you—" He sighed helplessly, "You're too serious. It's ingrained in your bones, and the camera amplifies that trait tenfold."
These words were like a bucket of ice water poured over Xiang Huaqiang's head, a man full of passion and enthusiasm.
His face was a little pale, and he looked at his father and elder brother for help.
Xiang Qian understood the gist of it. He knew his son's personality best; he was usually serious and didn't seem like the type to act.
"Mr. Qin is a truly honest man." The old man stroked his beard and looked at his youngest son, saying, "Qiangzai, good medicine tastes bitter. Mr. Qin is a big producer in Hollywood; his eye for talent is certainly excellent."
Xiang Hua clenched his fists, his eyes filled with resentment: "Am I really destined to never be a movie star?"
"No, quite the opposite." Qin Han laughed, pointing to himself, and said, "Brother Xiang, have you ever thought about who the true ruler is in this world of light and shadow?"
"Is he an actor on stage, or a mastermind behind the scenes?"
Seeing Xiang Huaqiang fall into deep thought, Qin Han continued to entice him: "Actors are just pawns. Even someone as famous as Marlon Brando is just a high-level employee."
"Those who truly control the fate of a film are always the ones behind the scenes!"
"In the future of Hong Kong cinema, Shaw Brothers will age, Golden Harvest will decline, and a third dynasty will inevitably rise. Why can't you be the one to wield the scepter of that dynasty?"
To establish a dynasty? Not only him, but even Xiang Qian standing beside him was filled with excitement.
If they can really make a name for themselves in the film industry as Qin Han said, then the Xiang family will be completely set on the right path and become a prestigious family!
"Mr. Qin—" Xiang Huaqiang's breathing became rapid, and the disappointment in his eyes was gradually replaced by a new ambition: "Do I really—have that kind of talent?"
"I'm usually pretty good at judging people." Qin Han took out a pen and paper and wrote an address on a piece of white paper: "If you have any doubts, you might as well go and take a look at the world's film center."
"This is the address of Hans Films in Los Angeles. You are welcome to come to Hollywood anytime."
Xiang Huaqiang took the white paper, folded it carefully as if it were a treasure, and put it into his pocket.
He stood up and bowed deeply to Qin Han: "Mr. Qin, your words have awakened me from my dream."
I will definitely find time to go to the United States to consult with you!
"Good! That's ambitious!" Xiang Qian laughed heartily, his gaze towards Qin Han growing increasingly satisfied. "Mr. Qin, rest assured regarding 'Yamato Foods'."
The old man stood up from his chair, instantly exuding the aura of the "Emperor of Kowloon": "As long as they are in Hong Kong, even if they are hiding in a crack in the ground, I can dig them out."
"Within five days, regardless of who's behind them, I'll have all the details sent to your hotel."
"Then we'll have to trouble you, Mr. Xiang." After bidding farewell to the Xiang family, Qin Han and Li Xiaolong walked out of the office building.
The streets of Kowloon were still bustling, and the two of them felt much more relaxed.
With the intervention of this local tyrant, coupled with Andrew's investigation, those Japanese rats hiding in the gutter will soon have nowhere to hide.
Over the next few days, the weather in Hong Kong became increasingly hot and humid.
Post-production work on "Enter the Dragon" is primarily taking place in the United States, and Warner Bros. staff have begun to evacuate Hong Kong in batches.
Ridley Scott, carrying his suitcase, gave Qin Han a big hug: "Qin, working with you has been a crazy experience."
The British director, with his unshaven beard but unusually bright eyes, said, "Once I get back to England and settle those messy contracts there, I'll fly to Los Angeles to see you immediately. See you in the editing room!"
"See you in the editing room, Ridley." Qin Han patted him on the back. "Take a few days to rest; there's still a lot of work to do."
After Ridley and most of Warner's staff left, the once bustling Peninsula Hotel became much quieter.
Only a few core members of Han's Film Company remained in Hong Kong.
They are waiting, waiting for the moment when the truth about Yamato Foods is revealed.
That afternoon, the phone in the room suddenly rang, "Ring ring ring—".
"Qin Sheng! It's me, Lao Cai!" Cai Lan's hearty laughter came through the receiver: "Are you at the hotel? Come on down! The car's already at the door!"
Qin Han glanced at his watch: "So early? Wasn't the final supposed to start at 8 PM?"
Today is the final day of TVB's first "Miss Hong Kong" beauty pageant.
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As the originator of the slogan "both wisdom and beauty," he naturally received a VIP invitation from Li Xiaohua.
"Oh dear, for such a grand event, of course we should get there early!" Cai Lan urged on the other end of the phone. "Besides, we still need to get our hair and makeup done, and visit the set backstage—anyway, you should come down first!"
"Okay, I'm coming." Qin Han smiled, shook his head, got up, and walked out of the hotel room.
A long black Mercedes was parked at the entrance, attracting the attention of passersby. The window rolled down, and Cai Lan waved to Qin Han while fanning himself with a folding fan.
"Mr. Qin, today's final is the talk of the town!" As he started the car, he poured Qin Han a glass of champagne and enthusiastically introduced, "Your idea for the Q&A session was absolutely brilliant! Apparently, during the preliminary rounds, several pretty faces were rendered speechless by the judges' questions and ran away crying on the spot."
"The audience is now looking forward to seeing what shocking things the hottest contestants will say tonight."
Qin Han accepted the champagne and took a small sip: "Those who make it to the finals are all pretty smart. Since Mr. Li wants to elevate the image, he certainly won't let anything too embarrassing happen."
The car sped along the streets of Kowloon, and the neon signs outside the window began to light up. As he drove, Qin Han realized something was wrong.
"Mr. Cai, isn't this the way to Broadcast Drive?"
Cai Lan put away his folding fan, his smile somewhat awkward: "Qin Sheng certainly has a good eye; he's only walked this road once, yet he's already remembered it."
"That's right. Before you go to TVB, I want to take you to meet someone. Uncle Six wants to talk to you alone."
Run Run Shaw?
Qin Han's heart stirred slightly.
Although he had reached a verbal agreement with Shaw Brothers regarding a martial arts film, the veteran film industry tycoon knew he was about to return to the United States and finally couldn't sit still any longer.
"What does Old Master Shao want to talk to me about? If it's about poaching talent, I think my stance is already very clear," Qin Han said calmly, leaning back in his comfortable leather seat.
"No, no, no, Mr. Qin has misunderstood." Cai Lan waved his hand: "Sixth Uncle is a sensible man; he knows that forced relationships won't be happy."
"He contacted you this time to talk about the future."
Soon, the car entered Clear Water Bay Road, and the familiar "Shaw Brothers" sign came into view.
The car didn't stop at the administration building, but drove directly into a villa deep inside the film studio.
This is Run Run Shaw's private club, where he usually met important guests.
Qin Han got out of the car and, led by Cai Lan, entered the villa.
An elderly man in a gray suit sat on the sofa, twirling two walnuts in his hands, making a crisp "click" sound.
"Sixth Uncle, Mr. Qin has arrived," Cai Lan said respectfully.
"Sit down," Shaw said, gesturing to the sofa beside him as he looked at the young man before him, his expression serious.
Qin Han didn't stand on ceremony and sat down generously: "Mr. Shao, I've long admired your name."
Run Run Shaw waved for the servants to serve tea, but his gaze never left Qin Han's face: "Young man, you've been making quite a stir in Hong Kong lately."
"After getting rid of Peter and Crippled Ho, you were still able to handle that stubborn old man Jin Yong. Even that old fox Li Xiaohe praised you highly, saying you are a born media genius."
He picked up the teacup brought to him by the servant: "I'm starting to doubt whether you really are a disciple of Bruce Lee, the one who only knows how to fight and kill?"
"Mr. Shao, you flatter me." Qin Han replied neither humbly nor arrogantly, "Heroes are made by the times, and I am merely going with the flow."
"Go with the flow—" Shaw pondered these four words, then suddenly chuckled: "So where do you think the 'flow' is right now?"
"Mr. Shao, since you've asked, I'll be frank. Please forgive me if I offend you in any way."
Qin Han pointed to the still brightly lit Shaw Brothers studios outside the window: "Like Hollywood in the past, Shaw Brothers' studio system was once the cornerstone of Hong Kong cinema. But now, that situation has undergone a complete transformation."
"Audiences' tastes are changing. In the past, people sought out films; now, films seek out people. My mentor's success has proven that a top star's box office appeal can completely surpass a company's brand."
"In the past, audiences believed that anything produced by Shaw Brothers was bound to be a masterpiece"; but in the future, audiences will watch films starring Bruce Lee and directed by Michael Hui.
"If Shaw Brothers continues to stick to its old ways and treats stars like assembly line workers, then the loss of talent is inevitable."
Shaw watched the eloquent young man with an impassive expression: Raymond Chow had already said these things to him when he left Shaw Brothers.
But he firmly believed that as long as Shaw Brothers' theaters and film studios existed, no one could overturn the world.
But now, faced with Golden Harvest's relentless pressure and Bruce Lee's immense international influence, the old man's resolve has begun to waver.
"Besides these, what else?"
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