Hong Kong variety show: I Am a Tycoon

Chapter 219 Reversing Public Opinion
Chen Jiajun summoned the Seven Eccentrics of Art City, Zeng Ziwei, Xu Ke, Huang Baiming and others back, and ordered Liang Kun to return immediately.

Chen Jiajun sat down in the main seat, looked around and said, "The filming of 【Wrong Car】 cannot be stopped. What are your thoughts?"

"Hey, how about we get a few brothers and burn down all those newspapers and magazines that are reporting this nonsense? Especially that fat guy Li, damn his mother! Traitor!"

As he spoke, Liang Kun's temper flared, his face flushed red. If a woman were there, he would probably have vented his anger on the spot.

"Hey! Your status is different now, don't be so impulsive."

Chen Jiajun smiled and tossed a cigar over.

“Mr. Chen, how about our crew goes to Taiwan to finish filming first? Once we've finished filming the scenes there, we can basically stop filming in Hong Kong.”

Director Yu provided a feasible solution.

"Okay." Chen Jiajun thought so too, and he nodded in satisfaction.

Huang Baiming, the screenwriter of "Wrong Car", said: "Sir Chen, this is what I think. This scandal is both a crisis and an opportunity for our film. If we handle it cleverly, we might be able to elevate Zhao Yazhi's image to a higher level."

In fact, as early as two days ago, Chen Jiajun had asked the old prison guard to inform Huang Hanwei about this matter, and Chen Jiajun had already thought about the relevant issues and had a comprehensive plan.

"Okay, continue."

Huang Baiming said, "I have seen Zhao Yazhi's work reports for the past year or two. She is very diligent. Let alone having an affair, she doesn't even have time for normal social interactions."

I believe Zhao Yazhi is innocent, and everyone knows what kind of person Sir Chen is. What he said back then was nothing more than a joke.

Zeng Ziwei nodded: "It's just that outsiders took it seriously. Brother Jun's character and integrity are absolutely impeccable!"

Huang Baiming continued, "Yes, we can contact a newspaper to conduct a special interview with Zhao Yazhi, and we can also turn the tables on her."

Furthermore, we should take legal action and sue those newspapers and magazines in court.

Sir Chan, you are a highly respected philanthropist, officially recognized by the British Royal Family. That Banana Daily newspaper's claim that you were a former gangster is utter nonsense.

“Yes, everyone outside knows that Sir Chen is a philanthropist. If we’re going to sue them, we’ll sue them until they’re broke!” Zeng Ziwei was also lying through his teeth.

"Alright, Huang Baiming, you'll be coming out with me later."

Huang Baiming's strategy was exactly what Chen Jiajun had in mind, and Chen Jiajun nodded approvingly.

Half an hour later.

A Mercedes-Benz Pullman extended armored vehicle was parked at the Wong Tai Man Law Firm in Central.

"Yongyu, notify China Bus Group and Sunshine Bus Group that all our bus stops must remove 'Banana Daily' from their shelves effective immediately."

Chen Jiajun leaned back in his boss's chair. Although he didn't have any magazines or newspapers on hand these days, don't forget that he controlled the largest newspaper and magazine platform in Hong Kong.

In short, all 1,000 websites will have to take down [Banana Daily].

"What reason do we have to refuse [Banana Daily]?" Lu Yongyu asked.

"No reason needed, my name, Sir Chen, is the reason."

"Sir Chen." Having just hung up the phone, Huang Dawen climbed into the Mercedes, sat opposite Chen Jiajun, and opened the relevant folder:

"Regarding Zhao Yazhi and Sir Chen's defamation case, according to our law firm's collection, there are as many as thirty newspapers and magazines that will be the targets of our lawsuits, the most serious of which is Banana Daily."

"For minor offenses, we only need the other party to apologize on the front page. But for Banana Daily, we will definitely sue it until it goes bankrupt. We'll make an example of them."

Huang Dawen rubbed his hands excitedly. He hadn't been involved in a lawsuit in a long time since he started working with Chen Jiajun, and he was itching to get involved.

"Making an example of someone won't work; I'll sue every single newspaper!"

Chen Jiajun shook his head, his face revealing a murderous aura.

Unbeknownst to them, the convoy had already arrived at Lu Yu Tea House.

Inside the largest luxury private room at Lu Yu Tea House, the head of the Oriental Daily News, Ma, was already waiting.

"This is Huang Baiming, a screenwriter from our company. This is lawyer Huang Dawen. And the person sitting in front of you is the editor-in-chief of Oriental Daily News."

Chen Jiajun took the menu and sat down.

"Hello, Editor-in-Chief Ma."

"Hello, Mr. Ma."

Huang Baiming hurriedly greeted him with trepidation, while Huang Dawen remained composed.

"Hey, don't be shy. I love dealing with lawyers and intellectuals like you. Here, have a cigar!"

Ma Chengkun waved his hands repeatedly, appearing approachable.

Soon, the waiter brought out some desserts and tea.

Chen Jiajun picked up an egg tart and asked while eating, "You've heard about Zhao Yazhi's situation, haven't you?"

"I've heard about it, Ah Jun. There are no outsiders here. Tell me the truth, is Zhao Yazhi being kept by you?"

Ma Chengkun leaned forward slightly and asked in a low voice.

“Support your mother? Am I that kind of person? By the way, the reason I called you here today is to get your Oriental Daily to do a reverse report.”

"For your sake, Boss Jun, I'll take care of this." Ma Chengkun patted his chest.

Chen Jiajun said, "It's good for Oriental Daily News. In a couple of days, this news will be hyped up, and all the media will be reporting in the same direction. Readers will be tired of it. If Oriental Daily News suddenly comes out to clarify the facts and presents strong evidence to prove their innocence, wouldn't that attract more readers' attention?"

"Ah Jun, do you have any evidence?" Ma Chengkun asked anxiously.

Chen Jiajun looked at Huang Baiming, who then continued, "Mr. Ma, the evidence isn't here. Even Zhao Yazhi can't prove her innocence. But you can have your employees interview Zhao Yazhi in various film crews over the past few years. Just send someone to ask around, and you'll know how busy she's been these past few years."

"Ah Kun, what we mean is this..."

After Huang Baiming finished speaking, Chen Jiajun finalized the plan.

Having experienced the information explosion era of his previous life, Chen Jiajun knew that the best way to refute rumors about public figures was never to argue with the rumor-mongers, but to bring up another topic.

What Chen Jiajun wanted to do was very simple: use this incident to comprehensively package Zhao Yazhi's image, and with the help of the Oriental Daily's publicity, to make Zhao Yazhi a synonym for elegant, virtuous, gentle, and independent women.

In this way, the public will naturally selectively reject and forget her negative news.

After finalizing the plan, everyone chatted for a few more minutes before dispersing to get to work.

The next day, Zhao Yazhi was brought to the Oriental Media Building by Chen Jiajun in a daze: "Jun, why did you bring me here?"

"clatter."

Chen Jiajun snapped his fingers.

Black cloth was pulled back, and Zhang Shuping, the chief designer of Guojun Garment Factory, and Deng Yongqiang appeared before him, arms crossed.

On both sides were rows of high-end women's clothing stores, and next to them was a small alley filled with dazzling jewelry. The brilliance of the jewelry momentarily captivated Zhao Yazhi; no woman could resist such things.

"This Mr. Tang Wing-keung, a Justice of the Peace, is the General Manager of Kowloon Motor Bus Group, but he is a hands-off manager. He has now established a traditional clothing brand called SHANGHAI TANG, with a store in Central."

"This is Zhang Shuping, the chief designer of our Guojun Garment Factory."

Chen Jiajun introduced Deng Yongqiang and Zhang Shuping with a smile.

"Mr. Deng, Mr. Zhang," Zhao Yazhi greeted the two men.

"Feng Chengcheng, I know you."

Deng Yongqiang very gentlemanly shook Zhao Yazhi's hand and called out Zhao Yazhi's character name from "Shanghai Bund".

As the group was chatting, Ma Chengkun brought two makeup artists and two hairstylists into the photography studio.

It would be perfect if Deng Yongqiang and Zhang Shuping were to be Zhao Yazhi's stylists.

Of course, the main stylist was Chan Ka-Chun, who had a forward-thinking eye and would occasionally give guidance to Tang Wing-Keung and Cheung Suk-Ping.

About an hour later, Zhao Yazhi's first look was finally revealed. With the evening gown, necklace, ring, hairstyle, and makeup combined, Zhao Yazhi, who was originally wearing jeans and exuding youthful energy, immediately transformed into a mature, charming, gentle, and elegant lady.

Cheung Suk-ping, Tang Wing-keung, and the makeup artist were stunned by Zhao Yazhi's new look and were full of admiration for Chan Ka-chun's styling design skills.

In reality, Chen Jiajun has no idea how to design any styles.

That means he frequented bars a lot in his past life, which naturally made his tastes more discerning.

After serving as a stylist, Chen Jiajun took on the role of photographer, directing the lighting technicians to set up the backdrop and adjust the lighting.

Although Chen Jiajun hadn't seriously pursued photography, that didn't mean he couldn't. With his keen eye for light and shadow, combined with photos of celebrities from his past life, he could definitely surpass many professional still photographers today.

After taking a set of photos in an evening gown, Chen Jiajun had his hairstylist redo his hairstyle and changed into a modern professional woman's outfit.

The photoshoot lasted all day, and the team took four sets of photos of Zhao Yazhi: evening gown, home wear, professional attire, and cheongsam.

After developing the photos, Chen Jiajun took them to Ma Chengkun's office, tossed them onto his desk, and laughed, "What do you think?"

Ma Chengkun was immediately captivated by the stunningly beautiful photos, which were so futuristic. He had seen his share of beautiful women, but Zhao Yazhi's photos gave him the feeling of seeing a fairy.

"Ah Jun, as your brother, can I pursue Miss Zhao Yazhi? I'm single too, and I don't care how many kids she's had!"

Ma Chengkun swallowed hard. When he saw Chen Jiajun's sharp, knife-like gaze, Ma Chengkun immediately said, "Cough cough, damn it! You should have said so earlier! No wonder you were so concerned."

Chen Jiajun nodded in satisfaction and asked, "Is the magazine ready?"

Ma Chengkun put away the photos and said, "I've been prepared for a long time, just waiting for your photos."

Early in the morning.

Huang Baiming was pulled out of bed by his wife.

After washing up, Huang Baiming sat at the dining table, eating morning tea and flipping through the newspaper.

Huang Baiming was halfway through his flip when he suddenly stopped.

Are female celebrities who marry into wealthy families truly like phoenixes soaring to the heavens?

Nowadays, Hong Kong newspapers don't have a dedicated entertainment section; it's a section within the supplements. Besides entertainment, supplements also include horse racing, essays, sports, romance, and other content.

[Oriental Daily News] They've finally started taking action. Oriental Media Group has moved this report to the first page of the supplement, a page that receives a lot of attention.

However, this report did not directly defend Zhao Yazhi, but instead described the grievances she suffered after marriage, and finally cited other celebrities who married into wealthy families and had unhappy marriages.

Then the discussion began about whether it's a good thing or a bad thing for female celebrities to marry into wealthy families, and what details female celebrities from ordinary backgrounds should pay attention to after marrying into wealthy families...

The report was jointly planned and executed by Huang Baiming and others from Hongxing Film Industry and editors from Oriental Media Group. Its most ingenious aspect is that its perspective is different from that of other media reports.

[Oriental Daily News] Although no clarification was made for Zhao Yazhi, the effect was more effective than directly refuting the rumors.

After staging a melodramatic story about a female star marrying into a wealthy family, Oriental Daily News struck again the next day, launching a series of attacks. They began to report the whole story of the scandal, adding fuel to the fire and citing a lot of evidence, placing all the blame on Huang Yuanshen and Huang Hanwei.

Because the first day's report had already attracted many readers, the second day's report garnered even more attention, and the truth of the scandal quickly spread throughout Hong Kong.

In just two days, Oriental Daily News reversed Zhao Yazhi's unfavorable image with two reports, while Huang Yuanshen was completely smeared, and Huang Hanwei was also portrayed as a bad man who bullied his wife.

Of course, some people still have doubts about these two reports. After all, Oriental Daily News is known as a "pink newspaper" among the public and has always had a bad reputation. If these two reports were from Ming Pao, they would definitely be more convincing.

However, in the following days, none of the parties involved responded to the report, and even Huang Yuanshen stayed at home and did not go out, seemingly acknowledging some details reported by the Oriental Daily.

Huang Yuanshen's lack of response finally convinced readers of the Oriental Daily News report.

Of course, Huang Yuanshen couldn't respond to anything, because that was the truth, and the report in the Oriental Daily News was almost entirely accurate.

After seeing the numerous reports, Zhao Yazhi's Huang Hanwei was filled with deep regret.

This man is just despicable. Before Zhao Yazhi had a conflict with him, he was always afraid that Zhao Yazhi would go out and show her face in public.

After calming down for a few days, upon seeing the related reports, Huang Hanwei wanted to win Zhao Yazhi back. After all, who wouldn't feel honored to have such a wife?

What followed was a barrage of attacks from the Oriental Daily News, which published a scathing article every day, targeting each of the media outlets that had previously criticized Zhao Yazhi.

Industry insiders can only respond with a wry smile to the critical articles published in the Oriental Daily News…

You, [Oriental Daily News], actually have the nerve to criticize others?

However, it must be admitted that the Oriental Daily's week-long coverage attracted the attention of countless readers, and its sales surged from 15 copies to an astonishing 17 copies, almost reaching the previous sales record of 18 copies for a Hong Kong newspaper.

With this series of reports, the public's attention in Hong Kong was completely diverted, shifting from criticism of the scandal to discussions about actresses marrying into wealthy families, criticism of the two bad men, Wong Yuen-shen and Wong Hon-wai, and finally, the Oriental Daily News was left to fight alone against the rest, engaging in a war of words with more than ten other publications.

The Hong Kong media scene was abuzz with excitement. While the Hong Kong media were embroiled in a war of words, a magazine called "Fashion Oriental" quietly debuted.

(End of this chapter)