Exciting 1979!

Chapter 303 My Stunning CEO Aunt

Wei Ming's words surprised Liu Rulong. Wasn't he here to submit a manuscript? Why does he want to buy the company?
Biaozi lamented that he could only buy his wife some jewelry and cosmetics, while Ming was going to buy a whole company!
Shangguan Xiaobao wasn't surprised, because someone had previously wanted to invest in and acquire "Xi Bao" on the condition that he and his brother stay and run it together.

Those bosses were hoping to unite against Wong Yuk-long, but this madman Wei only wanted the "good news" and showed no interest in them, which was somewhat disappointing.

However, without his own brother, "Good News" is just an empty shell, and I'm afraid even Wong Yuk-long wouldn't be interested in it.

Shangguan Xiaobao squinted and suddenly said, "You're not Wei Kuangren, are you?"

"why do you say so?"

"I saw the news. You are clearly Wei Ming, the screenwriter of 'Heroes Have Always Been Young,' and you wrote 'The Right Path of the World is Full of Vicissitudes.'" Shangguan Xiaobao was a little angry. He was a reader of "The Right Path of the World" and felt that he had been deceived.

Wei Ming laughed and said, "Mr. Xiao Bao, you misunderstand. Wei Ming and Wei Kuangren are actually Kuang Dongyuan and Shangguan Xiaobao. It's just that I publish more works under my real name."

"what?"

Wei Ming: "I heard that Mr. Xiaobao also has a pen name, Shangguan Siwei. I actually have other pen names as well."

"Oh, you also write erotic novels?" Shangguan Xiaobao became interested. His main work under the pen name "Shangguan Siwei" was "Little Bar Girl," a novel about women in the sex industry, which was quite explicit.

Wei Ming waved his hand: "It's about writing fairy tales."

"Could it be Wei something?" Shangguan Xiaobao immediately had this thought.

Now it was Wei Ming's turn to be surprised: "What does Mr. Xiao Bao know about Wei?"

Shangguan Xiaobao slapped his thigh and said, "Mr. Why? When I took my family to England, I bought my son a copy of 'Jumanji.' He can understand the general idea by looking at the pictures even if he can't understand the English. I was also planning to buy him a copy of your 'The Lion King.'"

Shangguan Xiaobao's son is a second-generation comic book creator named Kuang Shijie, who later created the comic book version of "The King of Fighters '97". He is only 8 years old this year.

Wei Ming laughed and said, "I'll send him a Chinese version later, but I don't know if he can understand simplified characters."

Shangguan Xiaobao thanked Wei Ming on behalf of his son and asked for his autograph. Then he asked, "Mr. Wei must be from mainland China, right?"

"of course."

"Then I don't understand, how are you going to run 'Good News' after you buy it? Are you planning to immigrate?" If someone as talented as Wei Ming immigrates to Hong Kong, it will definitely be easier for him than for those who do manual labor.

Wei Ming shook his head: "I haven't thought about immigration yet, but I will be coming to Hong Kong often in the future. Also, I am a storyteller, and I will find the most suitable way to cooperate with the comic book artist."

In Hong Kong's comics industry, screenwriters and lead artists are highly respected. Screenwriters design the plot and dialogue, while lead artists turn words into comics. Generally speaking, lead artists have more power, and most of the independent comics forces in Hong Kong are led by lead artists.

This is also one of the important reasons why the plot of Hong Kong comics is prone to collapse. Because the main writer is more powerful than the screenwriter, the story will always go astray and collapse as it is written. There are not many Hong Kong comics that can be completed well.

Wei Ming wants to create a model centered around himself as the screenwriter, with collaborations between him and multiple lead writers.

Of course, if the lead writer has the ability to write a long story, then I can give them that opportunity.

Shangguan Xiaobao greatly admired Wei Ming's storytelling ability. Wei Kuangren's "The Battle of Qin Terracotta Warriors: A Tale of Ancient and Modern Times", Wei Ming's "The Right Path of the World is Full of Vicissitudes", and Wei something's "The Game of the Brave"—whether it was the creativity of his short stories or the stability of his long works, they did not seem to be qualities that a young man in his twenties should possess.

If Wei Ming were willing to come to "Good News" as a screenwriter, Shangguan Xiaobao would even be willing to turn down Huang Yulang's offer.

"To be honest, Wong Yuk-long has visited us several times to invite us brothers to join Yuk-long International. We were somewhat tempted, but he wanted us to bring all of the 'Good News' company's assets to Yuk-long International, which conflicted with Mr. Wei's idea."

Shangguan Xiaobao bluntly revealed his true thoughts, proving he's indeed incapable of doing business.

In response to his words, Wei Ming asked, "Mr. Xiao Bao, I'd like to know why you, as a grandmaster of Hong Kong comics, were willing to join Jade Dragon International?"

“I want to learn from the successful ones, because I want to learn how he did it,” Shangguan Xiaobao confessed, mainly because he wanted to learn Huang Yulang’s cost control.

Wei Ming smiled and said, "So that means that in the future, we cannot rule out the possibility of breaking away from Yulang International and starting our own business again."

"Uh, this." Having spoken the truth, Shangguan Xiaobao began to worry that Wei Ming was sent by Huang Yulang to trick him into revealing information.

Before he could answer, Wei Ming continued, "So, if the Hong Kong comics industry has only one Jade Dragon International, would it be better for Mr. Xiao Bao to have more competitors?"

Shangguan Xiaowei, who was thirty years old, said, "Of course, the more chaotic the better."

Wei Ming laughed. Indeed, it was true. Later, because of the fraudulent practices of the listed company, Yulang International was on the verge of collapse. Shangguan Xiaobao and Shangguan Xiaowei were able to break away from Huang Yulang, establish themselves independently, and form a three-way balance of power with Huang Yulang.

However, if Wong Yuk-long hadn't encountered the financial crisis, the two brothers would have had a hard time defeating him, who had unified the martial arts world.

Wei Ming added, "I not only want the 'Good News Report,' but I'm also willing to let all the apprentices of the 'Good News Report' stay. Rather than leading them to strengthen Yulang International, it's better to leave them to me to cause some trouble for Yulang International. Maybe you two can use them when you make a comeback in the future."

Shangguan Xiaobao smiled: "Mr. Wei is willing to do the work for someone else?"

Wei Ming: "After all, you two are master and apprentice. I'm free to come and go as I please when I start my company, as long as they're willing to give me the stories I've shared."

Shangguan Xiaobao thought to himself, "How many stories can you write all by yourself, separated by thousands of mountains and rivers?"

The two brothers exchanged a glance and began to seriously consider Wei Ming's words. If they led their apprentices to switch to Jade Dragon International, Wong Yuk-long would definitely be able to dominate the Hong Kong comics industry. Then, it would be difficult for the brothers to get a share of the market from Wong Yuk-long in the future.

What price quote can you give?

After chatting for so long, Shangguan Xiaobao finally brought up the issue of price, and the scales had tipped in Wei Ming's favor.

Wei Ming laughed: "First, I need to know what the two of you can leave me with."

Shangguan Xiaobao said, "A publishing house, a brand called 'Good News,' with a circulation of about 10,000 copies per issue, the distribution channels for 'Good News,' the rent for this office space for the next six months, all the office equipment, and the contracts for those apprentices, but we want to take the works with us."

Wei Ming wasn't interested in either of their works. Their most famous work, "Bruce Lee," never amounted to anything, and the others were even worse. He had plenty of his own works, including Japanese, Hong Kong, American, and Chinese comics—he had everything.

Oh, and Korean comics too!

Wei Ming did not give a price yet. He needed to find professionals to conduct an asset appraisal, assess the expectations of Shangguan Xiaobao's brothers, and try to secure the deal in one go. He also needed to find a lawyer, which might require the help of A Long's father.

The Shangguan brothers also need to consider how to tell Huang Yulang and their disciples about this, since they initially planned to take their disciples with them.

After leaving the good news, Ah Long finally asked the question that had been bothering him.

"Amin, why do you suddenly want to buy this company?"

Wei Ming shrugged: "You've noticed it too. Shangguan Xiaobao and his team plan to sell the company to Huang Yulang. That means our comics will have no platform to be published in Hong Kong. Since there's no platform, we'll have to create our own."

"But we're all in Yanjing, so isn't it a bit too far for us to do anything about it?"

Wei Ming: "This is indeed a problem, so I plan to have Uncle Liu take care of this company for the time being. After you graduate, you can come and reunite with him, and you can take charge."

Ah Long had no objection to coming to Hong Kong. He was originally from Guangdong and was very comfortable in Hong Kong. Moreover, he had read all the comics on the market during his stay and had more confidence in his own work and the business he and Ah Ming were about to start. He just didn't know if Sister Ah Ying would be willing to come with him.

Ah Long will graduate in two years, and Wei Ming will most likely be unable to stay in China in two years. At that time, he can start a career here. However, these two years may be difficult. He wants to keep Ma Rongcheng and other comic talents here for two years.

After leaving the company, the group did not leave immediately. They waited for the people from "Good News" to get off work. When these people came out one after another, Wei Ming asked Biaozi to invite the refined-looking man with glasses over.

"Biaozi, you're too kind."

The process was not difficult, after all, Ma Rongcheng had just met Zhao Debiao and knew that Wei Ming had invited him, so he was quite enthusiastic.

He already knew that Wei Kuangren was Wei Ming, since the office was rather small and he had overheard them at the door.

In a Hong Kong-style tea restaurant, Ma Wing-shing expressed his admiration for Wei Ming.

"I really like your book, 'The Battle of Qin Terracotta Warriors,' about a Qin Dynasty man who ate an elixir of immortality and lived to the present day. The story template is very interesting."

Wei Ming laughed and said, "I have another story here, also about a Qin Dynasty person who lived to be immortal. However, this time it has little to do with love. This person lived for a very long time, could not die, and had also mastered superb martial arts. So he took pleasure in causing chaos in the martial arts world and manipulating people's fates."

"Is this a martial arts story?" Ma Rongcheng's eyes lit up; he really liked martial arts themes.

Wei Ming nodded. This Qin Dynasty man was called Xu Fu, or Di Shitian.

The first part of "Storm Riders" focuses on the revenge story of Nie Feng and Bu Jingyun against Xiong Ba and others, and constructs a vast and magnificent martial arts world. The various divine skills are beyond the existing martial arts system, and it can be said to be a very amazing masterpiece.

The second part introduces powerful villains such as Emperor Shitian, and Nie Feng and Bu Jingyun are also growing. Although Hong Kong comics have many flaws, such as cuckoldry and inconsistent power levels, it can still be considered a masterpiece overall.

By the third installment, the character designs and combat abilities had completely fallen apart.

Ultimately, it's because the comic was so successful that neither the author nor the publisher wanted to end it. This situation is also common in Japanese manga and web novels.

Wei Ming didn't rush to discuss "Storm Riders" with Ma Wing-shing. He said, "You should know that your master and the others are planning to collaborate with Wong Yuk-long. After they bring you over, there will only be one company left in the Hong Kong comics industry: Yuk-long International. You'll have to accept whatever salary Wong Yuk-long offers you, because that's the power of a monopoly. If you stay, I can promise you that you'll immediately become a lead artist, and I'll personally write the stories for you to draw. You'll be the first one, because you were the first person I met after joining the company. I'll also gradually support your fellow apprentices to become lead artists. With me, you'll get more opportunities and higher salaries than with Yuk-long International. Think about it." The young Ma Wing-shing replied directly, "No need to think about it. If you can buy the good news from my master, I'll stay and work for you."

Because he wasn't sure when he would become a lead artist at Yulang International, and the families of comic apprentices were all poor, he wanted to earn money as soon as possible and become a famous comic artist. Even if he failed, having his own works would make a big difference when he went to Yulang International.

"Okay, it's a deal. The company's management will also depend on you. You must keep all your fellow disciples. What we need to do is to rival Yulang International, and even defeat Yulang International's business."

Later, Ma Wing-shing also became a giant in the comics industry with certain management abilities. In terms of professional skills, Wei Ming and Ah Lung were not up to the task, so a leader was needed for the time being. After all, the principle of governing Hong Kong with Hong Kong's resources was adopted. Wei Ming chose Ma Wing-shing, who had the highest talent.

Hearing Wei Ming's ambitious words, the young Ma Rongcheng also got excited, and the two of them, along with Ah Long, clinked glasses on the spot.

But after finishing his meal, Ma Rongcheng's enthusiasm cooled down, and he began to wonder, was it possible? Could his group of apprentices really defeat Jade Dragon International, which had Shangguan Xiaobao, Shangguan Xiaowei, and Huang Yulang?

As the event was about to end, Wei Ming asked A Long to show A Rong the artwork for "Qin's Moon".

"This is a new work by Liu Rulong and me. After the company changed hands, this will be our first project. Take a look."

Don't underestimate Ah Long just because he's only 21 years old. He's a child prodigy, a master of the Lingnan School of comics, and a senior master of the Northern School of comics. After two years of studying at the school, he not only absorbed a lot of knowledge from his teachers and the Shanghai Animation Film Studio, but also, under the influence of Wei Ming and through his own reflection, his drawing style has become more and more mature. The opening chapter alone, in which one man fights hundreds of Qin soldiers with a sword, is enough to amaze Ma Rongcheng.

The lines, the composition, the dialogue—it's awesome!

Ma Wing-shing was immediately engrossed in it, but unfortunately it was too short.

If Hong Kong comics are all of this quality, he feels that Japanese comics are nothing to be afraid of.

At this moment, Ma Rongcheng's desire to associate with Wei Ming became even more sincere.

~
At the same time, Lao Gui went home early and hid in the shadows to observe how Amin and Amin were making progress.

If they had come back hand in hand, that would have been perfect, but I didn't expect that Amin would come back alone that night.

What's wrong with Ah Ming? He didn't even offer to see Ah Min off. Ah Min's face clearly shows her disappointment.

"What are you looking at?" someone suddenly asked.

"Oh, I see..." Old Ghost turned around, "Ah!"

"What the hell?! Lingling, when did you get here?"

"I've been here for a while, and seeing how focused you were, I didn't want to disturb you," Wei Lingling said coldly.

Old Gui explained, "That girl is my business partner's daughter, and she might become your nephew's wife."

"Oh." Wei Lingling didn't care, and she didn't care much about her nephew either; he was just a stranger to her.

"You're coming to Hong Kong to see me?"

“No,” Wei Lingling said coldly, “I’ve graduated, and my uncle gave me a toy company in Hong Kong to run.”

Old Gui understood that his elder brother was simply creating opportunities for the father and daughter to get closer. He asked, "Aren't you studying law?"

"A double degree in law and management." Wei Lingling rolled her eyes; her own father had absolutely no idea about her studies.

"Wow, that's amazing! It would be great if you could add medicine as well," Old Ghost laughed.

Wei Lingling said, "Studying medicine won't save the Chinese people. Also, my aunt asked me to pass on a message to you."

As she spoke, she pulled out Wei Lindi's power of attorney, authorizing Wei Lingling to take over the old villa in Shanghai and to split it equally among her, Wei Jiefang, and Wei Ping'an, making them the three of the second generation of the Wei family.

“I can’t handle this alone. Isn’t your grandson in Hong Kong? I want to meet with him and then go back to Shanghai together to get the house back.” She explained her purpose. She dared not go to the mainland alone; in her eyes, it was a place like a den of dragons and tigers.

“Great, you two should meet. Amin is very successful. You must have heard of him in America.”

"I've never heard of any famous Chinese people in the United States besides the late Bruce Lee."

Old Ghost: "That's not right. I saw on the news that his songs were all on that Billboard chart at number one. He must be very famous."

Wei Lingling looked at the old man in front of her and exclaimed, "Oh my, he even knows about bulletin boards now!"

"Isn't he a novelist? Do you think Billboard is a bestseller list?"

"I know it's a music chart. Although it's been on the New York bestseller list, it's never been number one. I didn't expect it to be number one on the music chart. You really haven't heard of 'Moonlight Shadow'?"

"What? 'Moonlight Shadow'! He wrote it?"

~
"You wrote all of these?!" Ah Long looked at Wei Ming's notebook in disbelief.

The creativity here involves martial arts, romance, history, suspense and detective, horror and ghost stories, and nonsensical comedy, and all of them are so, so innovative that it makes you wonder how his brain works.

Wei Ming: "These are just some creative openings. Further development will take some time. Time is limited, so before leaving Hong Kong, I can only focus on 'Storm Riders'."

Ah Long watched intently and exclaimed, "I was worried that you would lose money on this investment, but now I'm not so worried anymore. If these works can be drawn by excellent cartoonists, Jade International will be no match for them."

Wei Ming sighed, "The problem is that there aren't that many excellent cartoonists."

Even Ma Rongcheng, whom he favored the most, was still immature. He only reached the peak of his skills in the second part of "Storm Riders". He was still too green and no match for the two Shangguans and Huang Yulang, let alone Ah Long. Wei Ming regarded them as potential stocks, but was worried that they would all run away before their potential could be realized.

"So before the two of us officially came to Hong Kong, my goal was that the company wouldn't make money, but we would give them two or three stories to draw, just enough to support them."

Hearing what Amin said, Alon was silent for a moment, then suddenly said, "I've got it!"

"What's up?"

Ah Long said, "I met several workers at the Shanghai Animation Film Studio who were in charge of drawing and outlining. They were all very skilled, with more than ten years of experience, and they were all eager to make money."

"You mean?"

Ah Long said, "I can ask them if they would like to come to Hong Kong. If they do, the painting skills here will be greatly improved, but I'm afraid the styles won't be compatible."

The art style of Shanghai Animation Film Studio is very different from that of Hong Kong comics, but Wei Ming does not think that unifying the Hong Kong comic style is right. His comic company wants to be inclusive, do comic business for all Chinese people, and become a world-class IP!

"Okay, it's settled then. After you go back, it will be summer vacation. You can go to Shanghai and take Aying back to her parents' home while you're there."

Mentioning Ah Ying made Ah Long worry again, wondering if she would be willing to come to Hong Kong with him to work in the future.

The next day, with the departure date drawing ever closer, Wei Ming needed to act quickly.

He drove his van with Liu Rulong to find Uncle Liu Bin. Early in the morning, the van drove directly to the village house where Amin lived.

Wei Ming and A Long went upstairs and knocked on the doors of two single men. Across the street, Zhou Huimin, carrying her schoolbag, was coming downstairs to go to school when she happened to see A Ming's van.

Zhou Huimin looked around the car, overjoyed: "Ah Ming came looking for me, but where is he?!"

"Huh?" Amin touched the car door and was surprised to find that the car was unlocked!
After entering Lao Gui's room, he found that he was the only one there.

"Oh, Bin has already gone out to look for a new store location. Long, do you miss your dad?"

“No, we have important business to attend to,” Ah Long said to the mysterious “Ghost Uncle,” tactfully avoiding asking Ah Ming about the man’s identity.

Wei Ming then explained that he wanted to buy a comic book company in Hong Kong and hoped that Uncle Liu could help with the valuation and contract. He also needed Uncle Liu to manage the company's accounts until Ah Long took over.

"Instead of looking for Ah Bin, why not..." Old Ghost paused for a moment, "I'll introduce you to someone who is more professional than Ah Bin. She studied in the United States and has excellent grades in all subjects."

Hearing him say that, Wei Ming had already guessed that it must be his aunt, who was both academically excellent and domineering.

According to the timeline, she should have graduated from university by now and started taking over her great-grandfather's assets from a small factory.

Old Ghost wrote down an address and told Amin to go find Wei Lingling.

"It just so happens that she also wants to meet you." Old Ghost patted Wei Ming on the shoulder.

Wei Ming nodded and looked at the Peninsula Hotel address on the note.

"Let's go, Ah Long, let's go and see the big hotels in Hong Kong."

After going downstairs and getting into the car, the three headed straight for Tsim Sha Tsui.

Wei Ming, A Long, and Zhou Huimin~
(End of this chapter)