Exciting 1979!

Chapter 440 Wei Ming: Becoming a Billionaire!
In response to Qiu Degen's wariness of Run Run Shaw, Wei Ming asked with a smile, "Do you think Sir Run Run Shaw would really be willing to spend 100 million? If he plagiarized, there are only two possibilities: either no one will have a chance to take the million, or it will be taken by his own people."

Chiu Te-ken thought about it and realized it made sense. If he was already feeling the pinch, how much more so would Run Run Shaw? If the ratings and advertising revenue didn't reach a certain standard, then every episode they filmed would lose money.

Wei Ming added, "Moreover, I have applied for global intellectual property rights for this idea. If TVB dares to openly imitate it, I will not only take legal action to protect my rights, but I will also stand firmly on ATV's side. I have countless ideas and stories that I can use to destroy TVB."

Qiu Degen was excited and even tried to entice Run Run Shaw to plagiarize the work. If he could force Wei Ming to completely side with him, it would be a great deal!
Chiu Te-ken: "I'll go back and prepare the program based on your proposal."

Wei Ming concluded by reminding everyone: "The question bank must be carefully prepared. I have already explained the key points, such as the arrangement of difficulty levels, the distribution of question types, and the setting of distractor options. The host should also have a popular science function. Finally, it is absolutely essential to ensure the confidentiality of the question bank."

Chiu Te-ken said, "I don't know if I can make it in time for the final episode of the New Talent Singer Competition to air."

He seems to be trying to go head-to-head. Wei Ming suggested, "There's no need to force it. The New Talent Singer Competition is held annually, while Millionaire can be broadcast weekly. You could also produce a pilot episode and have ATV employees and the families of the title sponsors participate in a mock recording. This would generate buzz for future sponsorships and contestant registrations."

Qiu Degen thought it made sense and decided to discuss the specific details with Li Zhuanglie and Xu Xiaoming later.

The next day, Wei Ming finally finished editing and composing the music for the short film "The Witness." He also personally composed the music, adding some tense electronic sounds. Including the end credits, the film was only 11 minutes long.

During this process, Cheung Suk-ping and Cheung Yee-mou were deeply moved. They were confused when filming, but now they roughly know what kind of story it is, but they are not sure what kind of shock they will feel after watching it.

On this day, an internal screening was held at Great Wall Film Company. In addition to the cast and crew members, including Wei Ming, Li Zhi, Zhang Yimou, Feng Xiaoning, Zhang Shuping, Xu Jinjiang, and Xia Wenxi, Fu Qi and Shi Hui from Great Wall Film Company, Zhang Xinyan, director of "Shaolin Temple", Ms. Xia Meng from Qingniao Film Company, and Liao Yiyuan from Xinlian Film Company were also present.

The organization is currently preparing to merge the three major left-wing companies into one, combining Great Wall, Phoenix, and Xinlian into a new company. The name has already been decided: "Yindu." Liao Yiyuan is the organization's preferred candidate for the first chairman of Yindu.

The film opens with a snake with its head and tail intertwined. The camera then pans across the screen to show the female lead applying lipstick in front of a mirror. A gunshot rings out, white doves scatter, and there are interspersed scenes of chaotic struggle.

In just the first half minute, Wei Ming's abilities were on full display for the bigwigs present. His fast and sharp editing made it feel like a lot was crammed into a single second of footage, creating a psychedelic and dangerous atmosphere.

After the second gunshot, the female protagonist curiously pulled back the curtains to see what had happened.

At first, she didn't notice the male lead, but the sound of her closing the window startled him across the street. The male lead, who was wearing glasses, turned to look at the female lead, who stared at him, who was covered in blood.

At this moment, Xu Jinjiang realized that he might actually have the potential to become a pervert.

Then a horrifying scene unfolded. The male protagonist looked down at the female corpse beneath him, which was none other than the female protagonist who had just been opposite him. Even her crooked purple lipstick was the same!
Seeing this, not only were others baffled, but even the two lead actors were surprised. Wasn't this a blooper?

Several veteran filmmakers adjusted their postures, realizing that this film was no simple matter and they needed to take it seriously.

What followed was an escape and a taxi chase, and the sharp-eyed director Zhang Xinyan noticed that when the female lead left, there was a man lying behind her, whose hairstyle resembled that of the murderer.

The woman wanted the taxi to take her to the police station, but then she remembered her identity as a shady dancer and gave up the idea. She went back to her workplace to ask her boss for money to move to a different place.

The second segment of the short film then begins. First of all, Da Sha's appearance is striking enough. Many people secretly glance at Wei Ming, wondering if Teacher Wei often frequents such places. This look is too iconic.

Coincidentally, the male lead was dragged in, and the stripper arranged by the boss was the female lead, except that she had changed her outfit and was wearing a mask.

After recognizing the male protagonist, she ran away frantically. Before leaving, she stole his pistol from the boss's office drawer and then bumped into him as she went out.

What follows is a tense chase scene that will make your palms sweat. The two seem to be caught in some kind of cycle, running back and forth on a pedestrian bridge. Finally, the female lead runs into a house, sees an open door, runs in, and quickly closes it.

Unexpectedly, this was the male protagonist's home. He chased after her here, opened his own door, and immediately began to explain when he saw the female protagonist holding a gun.

However, there is no actual explanation. The short film has very little dialogue, but the fast-paced editing and unique visual style leave the viewer with no chance to breathe, keeping their eyes glued to the screen.

The female lead wouldn't listen to explanations, and during the argument, the scene from the opening credits appeared, again using that kind of jump cut editing style.

This time, the one who ended up standing was the female lead, while the one lying on the ground in a pool of blood was the male lead.

The female protagonist, covered in blood, tilted her head back, a posture exactly the same as the male protagonist at the beginning.

Then came the stroke of genius: suddenly, the female protagonist heard the sound of a door closing. She turned her head and saw a shirtless man closing the door across the street. She looked down and saw that he looked exactly like the man in the pool of blood.

The final shot freezes on the female lead's expression, which is both surprised and slightly fierce.

At this moment, some audience members were slightly agape, unsure of what to say. They had originally intended to applaud, but had collectively forgotten about that segment.

Indeed, seeing a narrative film like The Witness before films like Groundhog Day and Triangle came along was quite impactful.

Especially Lizhi, what does this mean? Why can't they kill them all?
Zhang Yimou recalled the first shot he filmed, the ouroboros, and now the film has successfully completed the loop.

The first to applaud was Xu Jinjiang, who said, "Well done! Excellent! It's far better than I expected, even better than I could have imagined!"

Led by Xu Jinjiang, everyone applauded. Although some doubts remained, the shock was genuine.

Liao Yiyuan also suggested, "Could you play it again? I haven't seen enough of it."

Zhang Xinyan also expressed his support: "I'd like to take another look; it's quite inspiring."

Fu Qi: "Okay, let's do it again."

However, Wei Ming didn't watch it this time; he went outside to cool off.

Although in my previous life I had influenced directors' creative process as a producer and participated deeply in the filming of some films and television dramas, this was the first time I had actually created a work under the name of a director.

Although the filming only lasted for half a month, I was basically busy from morning till night. It was indeed more tiring than writing. The key point is that I still wrote some articles before going to bed at night, and I didn't neglect to cultivate my relationship with Amin. I was so diligent that it was unbelievable.

About ten minutes later, everyone came out one after another. Xia Meng was the first to shake Wei Ming's hand: "I believe that with this work, Sister Yu Lan will no longer have any concerns."

Liao Yiyuan also shook hands with Wei Ming: "Teacher Wei, your artistic perception is really too strong. It's a pity that there isn't much room for you to develop in mainland China. Our three companies are about to merge into one. Have you considered developing in Hong Kong?"

Wei Ming laughed and said, "We can cooperate in the future and share resources between the two places."

Silver City is, after all, a Hong Kong company, and often enjoys certain privileges when filming in mainland China. Wei Ming has no intention of joining, but sometimes he can leverage its influence.

Zhang Xinyan shook hands with Wei Ming and said, "I feel really old. The younger generation is truly formidable."

"You're still going strong for your age. I'm looking forward to seeing you and Li Lianjie team up again."

"Haha, Zhongyuan is working on a script, and it's estimated that it can be filmed next year." Zhang Xinyan had already begun preparing for "Shaolin Kids" at this time.

Fu Qi and Shi Hui also came out. Fu Qi praised, "This short film has extremely high artistic merit and exploratory significance."

Shi Hui nodded: "It deserves to be seen by more people."

Wei Ming said, "When I get back, I'll ask the Venice Film Festival if they'd be willing to take this film."

Such highly innovative short films can basically only be shown at film festivals.

What everyone really wants to know is the deeper meaning of this movie. The ending is indeed very shocking, giving people goosebumps, but why?

Wei Ming smiled and declined: "It would be pointless to have the director explain this kind of film. Every viewer can have their own thoughts after watching it, as long as they can make sense to themselves."

Afterwards, Wei Ming gave Zhang Yimou and each of them HKD 1000. The money given earlier was for living expenses.

"Now that the short film is finished, you can use this money to buy some things in Hong Kong or go sightseeing, or you can take it back to exchange for foreign exchange certificates. Then wait for me for a few more days. I will leave after participating in a TVB program."

Finally, Lizhi got into Weiming's car. The two agreed to have a meal together after they finished their busy work.

Although Wei Ming knew what temptations he might face, Li Zhi had been an excellent partner over the past two weeks.

So I have to save face for myself and eat this meal myself, even if it means taking a loss.

She hosted the dinner at Wei Lingling's house, and even prepared the dishes before leaving home.

During the time she was taking care of Wei Lingling, besides her English, her cooking skills improved the most.

In less than an hour, they brought out four dishes and a soup, along with a bottle of red wine.

However, aside from wearing a low-cut dress, Lizhi didn't bring up anything related to men and women tonight; they talked about serious matters related to production.

Once you've had a good chat, you can leave.

Perhaps she knew Wei Ming couldn't hold his liquor and was planning to get him drunk before taking advantage of him.

But she didn't get a chance. Just as the two were enjoying their drinks, Wei Lingling returned from across the ocean.

"President Lingling!" Lizhi immediately stood up. Wei Lingling looked at the two of them with a smile: "Did I come at a bad time?"

Wei Ming quickly pulled her over: "No, this is the perfect time. Look at this table full of food and drinks, how can the two of us possibly finish it all? Let's eat together, and you can tell me how Transformers are performing in the American market."

Lizhi is very perceptive; she has already gone to get the chopsticks.

Wei Lingling shook her head.

"What's wrong? Is it not good?"

She shook her head and said, "That's great! Our inventory is simply not enough. I estimate that the North American market will be out of stock for a while. We can't even consider the European market for the time being. I'm even considering whether to postpone the Hong Kong market."

Wei Ming: “O”.

"First, the comic book generated buzz for Transformers, then we made a splash at the toy fair, and then the three episodes of the animation aired on TV, quickly attracting an audience," Wei Lingling patted her bag: "Inside are $5000 million in orders from major distributors in the United States!"

Wei Ming held his aunt's hand and asked, "If we add those existing stocks, can we each earn a hundred million?"

The unit "billion" here refers to Hong Kong dollars.

"That's definitely not going to happen. The marketing investment is huge, but there are still six months left in the year. Just based on Transformers, it wouldn't be difficult for each of us to earn 100 million."

The revenue from one Transformers figure is equivalent to all of Langning Factory's other products. Although blind boxes are popular, they are far from reaching the level of Transformers' popularity in the United States.

Hearing this, Lizhi, who was pretending to be busy in the kitchen, felt her legs go weak. She knew how to make money, but she never expected to make money like this!

I knew I'd chosen the right person to follow!

Wei Ming did the calculations and realized that if he included all his savings at home and abroad, he would have 100 million Hong Kong dollars, and he could dream of owning a villa on the Mid-Levels.

However, there's no rush to buy a house; prices will likely halve in two years. The most pressing matter right now is for Melinda to officially establish Dream Factory, as she's probably about to leave.

Lizhi quickly added another dish for Wei Lingling, and seeing that Wei Ming was enjoying his drink, she even suggested that he stay there tonight.

Wei Ming refused, saying he hadn't seen Amin yet today.

Wei Lingling said, "Then I'll have Xiaoli take you home later."

"That won't do, she's been drinking."

“Then I’ll take you there. You can see them,” Wei Lingling said. “I won’t drink; I’ll have tea instead.”

By nine o'clock, Wei Lingling had finished eating and was preparing to drive people home.

Upon arriving at the destination, I could hear a great deal of noise even before entering.

When they opened the door, they found not only Xiao Hong and Amin there, but also Lao Gui and Ni Nai, Lao Wei and Lao Niang. The table and the floor were covered with things they had brought from the mainland; they had just arrived.

"You little rascal, you're finally back!" Old Wei said, looking at his son whom he hadn't seen for months.

Xu Shufen held her son's arm, seemingly wanting to say something but then stopping herself.

They returned to Yanjing from their hometown. Besides shopping, they also watched the movie "Middle Age". Unfortunately, "Love in the Brush" was still a week away and they couldn't catch it. However, Gong Xue's costume poster had already been put up.

Zhu Lin and Gong Xue are such wonderful girls, but there's also a little Ah Min in Hong Kong. That brat is really causing trouble!
Since it was rare to have the entire Wei family gathered together, Zhou Huimin offered to take a family photo for them.

On the surface, all of Wei Senhao's descendants are here.

Wei Ming took out his camera and let Amin use it.

After taking one picture, Lin Ni smiled and said, "How about Amin takes one too?"

Wei Hong also said, "Yes, Amin, you should come too!"

She had long considered Amin as family; it was only a matter of time.

Wei Ming: "I'll take care of it."

He placed the camera on the table, set it up, and immediately ran over and sat on the ground in the middle of everyone. Click! A less-than-perfect family photo. Both Wei Ming and Lao Gui felt a sense of regret.

Although Wei Ming had drunk some alcohol, he still personally escorted Amin back to the eighth floor, and told her in the meantime that the film was completely finished.

“The crew members and people from the left-wing film company all praised it highly after watching it today,” Wei Ming said. “So I can spend the whole day with you tomorrow.”

Vivian Chow was happy for him, but she was more concerned about: "Why didn't you invite me to watch the movie?"

"Because the film is somewhat restricted, it's not suitable for someone your age to watch."

"Oh, restricted?" Amin was even more eager to watch it after hearing that. Hong Kong doesn't have a rating system yet, but the United States does. She heard that movies shown in cinemas late at night are usually not suitable for children.

"Then I won't be able to see your work?" Amin felt so regretful.

"I'll make a videotape later, you can watch it secretly at home, just don't let Auntie find out." Wei Ming winked at her.

Lying in bed at night, Wei Ming, who was already a billionaire, didn't seem to have much of an emotional fluctuation. Was it because the money hadn't arrived in his account yet?
However, those profits will likely be reinvested in expanding production, and probably won't end up in our hands.

Thinking about it this way, Wei Ming realized he was still poor and needed to practice more.

In mainland China, one's wealth is inexhaustible, but if one goes abroad with Xiao Hong next year, and even brings Xue Jie and Lin Jie along, there will be many more places to spend money if one wants to increase their sense of security.

You can't ask anyone for help; you still have to rely on yourself.

Thinking of this, Wei Ming got up again and wrote some words. Words are money, and US dollars at that!

The next day, Wei Jiefang and Xu Shufen, who had just returned to Hong Kong, planned to spend some quality time with their children, but their son also had someone he needed to spend time with.

So they split into two groups, with the parents accompanying their daughter to explore Hong Kong.

Wei Ming took Amin sightseeing, and they planned to go to Wong Tai Sin Temple.

Amin and her mother had been there, but she hadn't been with Amin. She was hoping for a long and happy marriage.

Wong Tai Sin Temple in Hong Kong has absolutely nothing to do with weasels. Instead, it is dedicated to Chishong Xianzi, a Jin Dynasty monk who was remembered by later generations for practicing medicine and helping people. Hong Kong even has its own Wong Tai Sin district.

~
On the other hand, Amin had already taken her to almost all the places that Lao Wei and Xu Shufen wanted to take their daughter to, so she wasn't very interested.

So, while they were strolling around, at Wei Hong's suggestion, she took her parents to the stock trading hall.

Tomorrow is Friday, and she'll be heading back to Yanjing over the weekend. Before she leaves, she needs to find a home for her money.

~
The happy day passed quickly, and by Friday, Wei Ming could no longer spend time with Amin because he had to participate in the semi-finals of the TVB New Talent Singer Competition.

"How about I give you tickets, and you and Xiaohong can go to the concert to listen to the songs?"

Zhou Huimin verbally agreed, but then immediately handed the tickets to Uncle Jiefang and Aunt Shufen, telling them to go listen to the songs.

"As for me, Sister Hong and I have to keep an eye on the stock market, so we can't leave."

The one who really couldn't leave was Wei Hong, as it was the last day, while Amin used the contestant entrance.

The semi-finals were held at the Lee Theatre. In the preparation room, Vivian Chow met Anita Mui and Deric Wan. The 30 contestants looked each other over.

Because today's match will be broadcast on television, they are all wearing costumes provided by the production team.

Vivian Chow's outfit was her own, and it was actually styled by her mother-in-law. It didn't look like something a pop star would wear; it looked like she was on a date with a boy. Yet, she stood out among the heavily made-up contestants.

Amin walked up to Anita Mui and asked, "Anita, what song have you prepared?"

Anita Mui looked somewhat embarrassed and said, "First Love."

(End of this chapter)