In Hong Kong, we build a global business empire

Chapter 687 The Crown Prince of Hong Kong's Entertainment Industry?
It was late at night, and Lin Haoran didn't plan to go back to the villa on Shi Xun Road that night, but instead stayed at the villa in Deep Water Bay.

Speaking of which, after returning to Hong Kong in May, Lin Haoran only went back to the Deep Water Bay villa once during those few days.

So now that the bank matter is over, it's time to spend some time with my parents.

In the study, Lin Haoran talked to his father about the engagement and also about some of his own things.

Of course, he always kept secrets, and even though the person in front of him was his father, he didn't want to say too much.

The main concern was that Lin Wan'an might accidentally let something slip while they were out.

After all, he knew that he had become his father's pride, and he had heard that Lin Wan'an often boasted about him in the circle.

Therefore, when he talks about himself, he only talks about unimportant things.

As they chatted, Lin Wan'an also started talking about himself.

Since recovering his health, Lin Wan'an has become even more restless.

After all, he had been in the Hong Kong business world for decades.

Previously, due to health reasons, fearing that he would not live much longer, he had no choice but to divide all his family property.

Surprisingly, after dividing his assets, ceasing to concern himself with the company's affairs, and taking a proper rest for over a year, he miraculously recovered.

All the indicators in the physical examination have recovered very well.

Lin Wan'an did manage to let his mother experience retirement life, but after a while, he couldn't stand it anymore.

Life is so boring, I always feel like I need to find something to do.

Therefore, Lin Wan-an later started investing in and making movies with others.

After all, Lin Wan-an had also dabbled in investing in film production before his retirement.

Back then, it was because Lin Wan'an took Lin Haoran to a movie celebration banquet that he met Guan Jiahui at the banquet.

For Lin Wan'an, this industry requires minimal investment and is something he can easily dabble in.

Therefore, after recovering his health, Lin Wan-an once again invested in and filmed a movie with his friends.

Lin Haoran really looked down on the film industry.

Outsiders often think that the film industry is a goldmine, and that once a film becomes a box office hit, it's a business that's all about making a fortune with a small investment.

But in Lin Haoran's eyes, the so-called "big return" was nothing more than that.

Last year, Golden Harvest Films was a sensation in the market.

Its film "Young Master" achieved an impressive HK$1102 million, breaking the Hong Kong box office record and firmly securing its position as the annual box office champion.

However, if you do the math, after deducting the production costs, entertainment tax, theater revenue sharing, and distribution and promotion expenses, the film's net profit is probably only around two or three million Hong Kong dollars.

Another film, "The Killer's Lair," was a collaboration between Golden Harvest and a Hollywood director, with a massive investment.

The film grossed HK$577 million in Hong Kong and a staggering US$850 million in North America, a remarkable achievement at first glance.

However, the revenue share in the North American market has always been low, and Golden Harvest has never disclosed specific profit figures.

However, it is not difficult to infer from a rough estimate of various costs and benefits that this film did not actually make Golden Harvest a fortune.

Golden Harvest Film Company, as the "leader" of Hong Kong's film market last year, achieved outstanding results in the industry, releasing 13 films throughout the year, which is equivalent to releasing at least one film every month.

However, the box office performance of these 13 films varied greatly, with some making a fortune and others losing everything.

In the end, although the company was profitable overall, the profit was pitifully small.

To put it bluntly, even as the most successful film company in Hong Kong, Golden Harvest could only earn a few million Hong Kong dollars at most, no matter how hard they worked all year round.

Fortunately, it still owns some cinema chains, and the stable revenue from these chains prevents its financial statements from looking too bad.

However, if this part of the income is excluded, and the film production and distribution alone yields a few million in profit a year, that would be considered very lucky.

In contrast, any one of Lin Haoran's little-known small companies could easily outperform Jiahe in annual profit.

This contrast is truly intriguing.

Is the profit margin high?

To ordinary people, that is indeed incredibly high.

After all, there are indeed many films with ridiculously low production costs, but once they become box office hits, it is not uncommon for profits to multiply several times or even ten times. Such a rate of return is enviable.

But in the eyes of those top billionaires and industry tycoons, the film industry is by no means a highly profitable industry.

This industry has too many limitations. The market itself is too small. In addition, it is too susceptible to market fluctuations and changes in audience tastes. The risks and returns are extremely unstable, so it simply doesn't meet their standards.

Many business tycoons believe that finance and real estate are the truly lucrative industries!
That's why, from the very beginning, Lin Haoran had absolutely no interest in the film industry.

Coincidentally, Shaw Yat-fuk has also gradually become disillusioned with the film industry and has instead devoted all his energy to TVB.

In his view, with the widespread use of television sets in every household, the film industry was bound to decline, and even the Shaw Brothers film company, which he founded, could not escape the fate of decay!

Now, Shaw Brothers is even considering shutting down the Shaw Brothers film company.

Lin Haoran never objected to his father Lin Wan'an's passion for investing in movies, nor did he ever ask his father to switch to those so-called "highly profitable" industries.

His idea was simple: as long as his father was happy.

When you reach a certain stage in life, being able to do what you love at will is more important than anything else.

So what if we lose money investing in movies?

After all, this industry is inherently a mix of risk and reward; even if you lose money, you won't lose much of your life savings.
Even if he made a profit, it would only be icing on the cake; Lin Haoran didn't care about that little bit of money at all.

As my father gets older, the most precious thing to me is a happy and carefree smile.

Since movies bring him enjoyment and a sense of accomplishment, Lin Haoran naturally gives his full support.

Isn't filial piety reflected in making parents happy in their old age?

"Hao'er, in the past two years, I have invested in three movies as an investor, and in total, I have made several hundred thousand yuan. Although the money is not much, I think it is quite interesting."

"So, I'm really itching to get started. I don't want to just dabble in investments anymore. I'm thinking of partnering with others to start a film company. What do you think?" Lin Wan'an asked with a smile.

"Starting a company with a partner? Daddy, you know the downsides of starting a company with a partner. What if you disagree with each other? Wouldn't you be asking for trouble? If you want to start a movie company, just start it yourself. There's no need to partner with someone. In the end, you might not even be able to make friends. Why bother?" Lin Haoran said, somewhat puzzled.

"Hao'er, your concerns are not unreasonable, but I'm getting old and I prefer to do things safely. Although working alone offers freedom, it also means taking on all the risks, and I'm a little unsure about that."

"By partnering with others, we can share the burden. Even if we encounter some difficulties, I won't be the only one overwhelmed." Lin Wan'an frowned slightly as he patiently explained his thoughts to his son.

Lin Haoran was both amused and exasperated, and quickly said, "Daddy, why are you doing this? If you're short of money, I have plenty here. There's really no need to start a company with someone else."

If you go into business together and things fall apart over how to distribute the profits, it will make everyone look bad and cause unnecessary trouble for yourself.

"Here's what we'll do, Daddy. I'll have the finance department transfer HK$100 million to your personal account tomorrow. You can spend it however you like. If you need more money, just let me know."

It's important to understand that the Hong Kong film market is only so big; its scale is indeed limited.

Let alone HK$100 million, even just HK$10 million would be enough to start a sizable film company.

Many films that perform well at the box office may only cost a few hundred thousand Hong Kong dollars in total, including production costs and promotional expenses.

Even some so-called big-budget films cost no more than a few million Hong Kong dollars.

Let's talk about connections in the film industry. In fact, Lin Haoran is now Lin Wan'an's most solid "connection backing".

In every aspect of promotion, distribution, and launch, who in the industry wouldn't give Lin Haoran some face?

Therefore, this HK$100 million is enough for Lin Wan-an to freely explore and "mess around" in the field of film investment.

Even if Lin Wan'an really lost all of that HK$100 million, it would be a trivial matter to Lin Haoran, and he wouldn't even bat an eye at it.

To be honest, Lin Haoran didn't support Lin Wan'an starting a film company and looking for partners.

In terms of personal connections, Lin Haoran has a unique advantage.

Putting everything else aside, Shaw Yat-fu, a tycoon whose every move in the Hong Kong film and television industry could shake the world, was his partner, and the two were both major shareholders of TVB.

In the Hong Kong film industry, who can compare to Shaw Brothers in terms of profound heritage? Even though Golden Harvest has been very successful in recent years, its founder was just someone who left Shaw Brothers to start his own business.

In terms of funds, it was even less of a concern for Lin Haoran.

With his wealth and power, there is currently no one in Hong Kong who can match him.

"Hao'er, Daddy knows you're not short of money, but I just wanted to play around a little and have some fun. I have my own money, I don't need to take it from you," Lin Wan'an said, shaking his head.

After dividing his assets among his brothers, Lin Haoran and Lin Haoning, Lin Wan'an retained only the ownership of the villa in Deep Water Bay, the rental rights to several shops in the city center, and several million Hong Kong dollars in cash.

However, at the beginning of this year, at Lin Haoran's suggestion, Lin Wan'an sold those shops at a high price while the Hong Kong real estate market was still booming.

Therefore, he can now easily come up with ten to twenty million Hong Kong dollars on his own.

Hearing his father's words, Lin Haoran smiled helplessly, took his father's hand and patted it gently: "Daddy, it's not that I'm afraid you'll spend my money, I'm worried that this partnership will cause a lot of trouble."

Since you want to have fun, then have a blast! Don't get bogged down in those partnership stuff. Here's 100 million; consider it my investment to help you have some fun.

Looking into his son's sincere eyes, Lin Wan'an was deeply moved, but he still stubbornly said, "Haoran, Daddy knows you are filial, but Daddy really isn't doing this for the money."

“Daddy, if you want to achieve something in the film industry, I have a suggestion,” Lin Haoran said with a smile.

"Oh? Hao'er, what exactly do you mean?" Lin Wan'an asked, looking puzzled.

“Daddy, I chatted with Mr. Shaw Yifu the other day, and he confided in me that he has long lost the passion he once had for the film industry.”

If it weren't for the large number of employees still employed by Shaw Brothers, he would have shut down Shaw Brothers long ago and focused all his energy on TVB.

Since you're interested in getting into the film industry, why don't I act as your go-between and buy Shaw Brothers? In my opinion, Uncle Six might actually be planning to sell.

Shaw Brothers has a complete industry chain. Once the acquisition is successful, I will immediately hire a professional manager who is well-versed in the film industry to manage it for you. This way, you won't have to work as hard as before; you can just sit in the company and direct operations.

"If you ever need any connections or resources in the future, feel free to use what I have. Who knows, before long, you might become a prominent tycoon in the Hong Kong film industry!" Lin Haoran said with a smile.

In the past, Lin Wan'an did everything himself, but as a result, his health gradually deteriorated.

Fortunately, after a period of rest, his body gradually recovered.

He also deeply realized how much harm his previous hands-on approach had caused him.

Therefore, even if he were to manage a large company now, Lin Haoran felt that his father would no longer be able to do everything personally as before.

Since Father is interested in trying his hand in the film industry, why not go all out and make a big splash!
In the 1970s, Shaw Brothers faced fierce competition from Golden Harvest for a long time. Coupled with its outdated business philosophy and lack of innovation, it had long lost the will to continue to cultivate the film industry.

In particular, after Shaw Yat-fu took over as chairman of the TVB board of directors, he was determined to devote all his energy to the development of TVB.

Moreover, even if Lin Haoran hadn't gotten involved, Shaw Brothers would have actually ceased production in 1985 and gradually faded out of the film production industry.

In fact, Hong Kong cinema did not truly enter a period of decline until the mid-1990s.

During the decade or so from the 1980s to the mid-1990s, the Hong Kong film industry not only did not decline, but instead ushered in a period of vigorous development, which was the golden age of Hong Kong cinema.

Lin Haoran couldn't help but feel a little regretful about the inevitable decline of Hong Kong cinema.

Although he doesn't think much of the film industry, he was, after all, a member of the generation who grew up watching Hong Kong cinema in his previous life.

So, since the father was so enthusiastic about getting involved in the film industry, why not let him buy Shaw Brothers Studio?

If they can run the business successfully, it will make up for a regret in Lin Haoran's heart!
When Lin Wan'an heard Lin Haoran's bold and surprising suggestion, he was first stunned, then a hint of excitement flashed in his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure.

He frowned slightly and said, "Hao'er, Shaw Brothers is a golden brand in the Hong Kong film industry. Although Mr. Shaw Yi-fu is now focusing on TVB, it may not be easy to negotiate a deal. Moreover, can I manage such a large operation?"

Lin Haoran smiled and patted his father on the shoulder, saying confidently, "Dad, don't worry. Although Shaw Brothers films are declining, they still have a solid foundation, a complete industrial chain, and a large talent pool."

If you take over and implement some reforms and innovations to inject new vitality into Shaw Brothers Studio, you will surely be able to revitalize it.

As for discussing the acquisition with Mr. Shaw, with me acting as a go-between and the reasonable terms we offer, I believe Uncle Six will seriously consider it. Anyway, he's keeping it and doesn't care about too much.

Furthermore, you don't need to worry about management after the acquisition. I will find the most professional people to take charge. You can just be the behind-the-scenes boss, occasionally offering suggestions and enjoying the pleasure of decision-making.

Lin Wan'an pondered for a moment, gradually moved by his son's words.

He spent his life navigating the ups and downs of the business world. Although health reasons forced him to step back from the spotlight for a period of time, his inherent fighting spirit and adventurous attitude remained.

Now his son has given him such an opportunity to make a name for himself in the film industry, and perhaps he can really make a name for himself in the future.

“Alright, Hao’er, since you’re so confident, then Daddy will listen to you. I’ll try to buy Shaw Brothers Studio!” Lin Wan’an slapped his thigh and said decisively.

"Alright, it's settled then. You don't need to consider partnering with others to start a film company. There's no need. I haven't been to TVB for a long time either. I'll talk to Uncle Six about this another day. He might be reluctant to sell to others, but if I step in, the chances are pretty good!" Lin Haoran laughed heartily.

Speaking of the 1980s, it was definitely a golden age when Hong Kong's entertainment industry was full of dazzling stars.

Irene Wan, Vivian Chow, Wong Cho-sin, Chiu Shu-chen, Yeh Tzu-mei, Li Li-chen, Li Tzu... these names were all goddesses in the hearts of countless people back then.

Most of them were born around 1966, meaning that most of them are still very young today.

However, among these future actresses, he met Li Lizhen when he was on Lamma Island in his early years, and later specially arranged for her to work at Hong Kong Electric Group, which can be regarded as a "Lolita-raising story".

If his father really makes a name for himself in the film industry, he might be able to benefit from it and enjoy some special "perks".

In any case, Guo Xiaohan had already tacitly accepted the fact that he had other women outside, so there was naturally no problem with him occasionally having affairs.

He's only just getting engaged, and he's already thinking about other women. I have to say, this kind of thinking does have a bit of a "scumbag" feel to it.

But Lin Haoran was, after all, a time traveler, and he always valued acting as he pleased.

Putting everything else aside, in Japan, he is also nurturing another future female superstar—Akina Nakamori.

If his father becomes a movie kingpin, wouldn't he be equivalent to the prince of the Hong Kong entertainment industry?

Hey, thinking about it this way, this idea isn't bad at all!
Lin Haoran chatted with his father until after 10 p.m. before returning to his room.

The room was clean and tidy, without a trace of dust, clearly indicating that Lin's mother regularly arranged for servants to clean it.

Although he hadn't spent the night here in a long time, Lin Haoran slept exceptionally well that night.

He didn't wake up from his dream until around eight o'clock the next morning.

He got up feeling refreshed, washed up, and then went to the terrace to do some exercise.

After that, I went downstairs to have breakfast.

At this time, Mr. and Mrs. Lin had obviously already eaten breakfast, and Mr. Lin was sitting on the sofa leisurely reading the newspaper.

"Hao'er, look! Today's newspaper headlines are all about you!" Lin Wan'an said with a big smile, his eyes full of pride.

He was genuinely proud of his son's success.

Lin Haoran knew exactly what the report was about without Lin Wan'an needing to say more.

Yesterday at noon, he officially announced the acquisition of Hengsheng Bank at Hengsheng Building. Hundreds of media reporters were present, covering almost all the major and medium-sized mainstream media companies in Hong Kong, as well as many reporters from mainstream media around the world.

So it's only natural that all the major newspapers made this the headline this morning.

The news that Hengsheng Bank has returned to the control of Chinese consortium after a 16-year absence is bound to attract widespread attention.
Moreover, given the current special circumstances, Standard Chartered Bank's willingness to relinquish Hengsheng Bank has undoubtedly left much to the imagination, prompting widespread speculation.

Even though Standard Chartered Bank's CEO, Brown, remained completely silent about the collaboration with Lin Haoran at the press conference, it did nothing to quell the public's curiosity and speculation.

Lin Haoran held a steamed bun in one hand and ate it, then walked over to his father and looked at the newspaper in his father's hand.

At this moment, the newspaper in Lin Wan'an's hand is the Hong Kong Commercial Daily.

Lin Haoran leaned closer, his gaze falling on the newspaper. The exaggerated and eye-catching headline read: "Breaking News! Standard Chartered Bank Voluntarily Relinquishes Control of Hengsheng Bank, Lin Haoran Takes Over Hengsheng Bank!"

The accompanying photo shows him in a moment of triumph and confidence when he announced the acquisition of the Hengsheng Building. In the photo, his eyes are firm and his lips are adorned with a confident smile, as if he is announcing the arrival of a new era to the entire Hong Kong financial community.

Lin Haoran couldn't help but chuckle and teased, "Daddy, this headline is too exaggerated. What do you mean by making Standard Chartered Bank bow down? It's too far-fetched."

Standard Chartered Bank did indeed back down, but not voluntarily; it was only after Lin Haoran's threats.

Otherwise, Standard Chartered Bank almost used that HK$50 billion loan as a pretext to delay the transaction with Hang Seng Bank!
Lin Wan'an smiled and shook his head, pointing to the newspaper and continuing, "Take a look at these subheadings: 'Sixteen-Year Cycle: Hengsheng Bank Returns to Chinese Capital; Lin Haoran Intends to Monopolize Hong Kong's Financial Industry.'"

"Standard Chartered Bank's mysterious concession: What kind of earth-shattering scheme is hidden behind Lin Haoran?" These newspapers just love to exaggerate things into something incredible.

Lin Haoran continued reading with great interest, and the headline on another page was even more eye-catching: "The financial landscape in Hong Kong is changing rapidly. Lin Haoran, as the new financial overlord, has won another victory!"

(End of this chapter)