1982 Started from Hong Kong

Chapter 543 Pick-up
"Iron Man's release delayed? What's the prodigy doing?!"

"Isn't the release date on the poster set for the 12th? It's been delayed!"

"Rumor has it that Prodigy Yuan hasn't been in Hong Kong all year, and 91 Entertainment just cashed out over a billion dollars. Could he be running away with the money...?"

Nathan Road, Kowloon
Outside the 1024 Cinema, a group of viewers stared at the posters displayed at the entrance, chattering amongst themselves.

At the same time, the entertainment sections of major Hong Kong media outlets all published an announcement:
The film *Iron Man*, originally scheduled for release on December 12, 1990, by 12 Entertainment, will be postponed due to the massive amount of post-production editing and special effects work required. The director and production team have carefully decided to do so. We are deeply aware of the audience's anticipation and sincerely apologize...

"Yuan Ge would run away? That's ridiculous! Spreading such rumors shows you don't respect our North Point Fan Club!"

"What's there to argue about? Let's go to the theater in a couple of days!"

"So what? I told you the post-production special effects weren't finished! Do you even know what special effects are? They require high-tech computer technology, little brother!"

The audience outside the theater split into two groups, arguing heatedly.

Although 2 Entertainment still released several good films this year, such as "A Chinese Ghost Story II" starring Xu Ke and Chen Xiaodong, "High School Musical 2" starring Huang Baiming and Gao Zhisen, and "Qin Terracotta Warriors" starring Zhang Yimou, etc...

Although Zhai Yuan is not in Hong Kong, the box office of several big-budget productions by 91 Entertainment has remained above 20 million, indicating that market confidence is still strong.

But everyone is still looking forward to the annual blockbuster "Iron Man," which will be personally promoted by the prodigy Yuan and has been releasing trailers since September.

'Hong Kong's first futuristic superhero blockbuster'

Terminator bows, Superman makes way, Iron Man is about to make his appearance.

'A multi-million dollar investment to create sequels to the 'Mr. Vampire' and 'Invisible Woman' series'

Besides the audience, other filmmakers are also looking forward to the film's future performance, especially since it is touted as a sequel to "Mr. Vampire," which has made many copycat zombie film companies eager to follow suit.

By this time, Lin Zhenying's commercial value had been almost completely exhausted, and the craze for Qing Dynasty zombies that blanketed the island of Taiwan was gradually fading.

Monster movies like "Jurassic Park" didn't attract many followers, but your "Iron Man" is a superhero movie where the actors are the main focus, so why wouldn't people follow suit?
The subsequent postponement announcement from 91 Entertainment shocked everyone.

Delayed?

How niche is this term in the Hong Kong film industry?

From 7-day fresh to fast food films, apart from a few teams led by Chen Shilong that have production cycles of years, which Hong Kong film is not completed in just a few months?

It's been over three months since the promotion started in September. Other companies could have released three movies by now!

Looking at the entire history of Hong Kong cinema, without discussing censorship, distribution, or investors running away,

The first film to be delayed due to production issues has to wait until after 2000 AD for "The Legend of Zu Mountain". Then there was another heavyweight film, "The Wind, the Forest, the Fire and the Mountain", which was delayed for as long as eight years. The common point is that both of these films have visuals but no story.

But in the 1990s, when you said that the release was delayed for post-production, especially during the Lunar New Year season, audiences and filmmakers couldn't understand it.

This also disappointed some eager moviegoers, and "Iron Man" was thrust into the spotlight.

…………

"If 91 doesn't go, we will!"

Upon learning of the postponement of "Iron Man," He Guanchang of Jiahe Film Company immediately approved the release of Chen Shilong's new film.

The remake of "Brothers in Arms".

This film, which was originally supposed to be shot and released three years ago, was delayed because Chen Shilong was taken to Japan by Zhai Yuan to film "The Monster of Hiroshima". It was not until this year that it was finally completed.

Despite three years of filming techniques and technological advancements, Chen Shilong was still injured while filming this movie, but not nearly killed as in a parallel universe.

Due to the butterfly effect, this 1990 film, "Armour of God," surpasses the original in both visuals and plot, becoming a key project for Jiahe's Lunar New Year film season this year.

"I originally wanted to use this film to compete with Zhai Yuan's 'Iron Man,' but it seems I won't have the chance. It's a real pity."

Chen Shilong said with some regret, then laughed and said, "But he's an outlier. His film, which was scheduled for release, was delayed due to production reasons. I don't know whether to praise his professionalism or to play tricks on the audience."

He Guanchang glanced at his godson and said irritably, "How dare you talk about others? The filming of 'Dragon Brothers and Tiger Brothers' took more than a year, and there was no work done in between. Boss Zou was very dissatisfied with your 'dedication'."

Given Chen Shih-lung's current status, if he were willing to make fast-paced films, Jiahe's revenue could skyrocket.
However, after gaining control of the narrative, this bigwig is now only willing to make big-budget productions. Last year, he even achieved the feat of being completely absent from the Lunar New Year film season, forcing Jiahe to borrow someone else to fill in.

The king of out-of-town stars, a top star with tens of millions in film remuneration, yet his annual output is so low, and he takes away tens of millions of the company's budget every time he starts filming.

So much so that Zou Wenhuai's fingers would tremble every time he signed a production fee check.

In a parallel universe, Wu Siyuan wants to spearhead the establishment of a directors' union, but he lacks funds for office space rental.
Old Wu visited Jiahe, Xinyicheng, and Debao, but still couldn't attract any investment.

Later, he came up with a plan to find Zou Wenhuai and said, "How about we directors unite to help Chen Shilong make a movie, and then take a share of the profits to start a union?"
Zou Wenhuai, who had just turned him away, exclaimed upon hearing this: What! You actually let Chen Shilong start work? I'll write a check right away for whatever price you want!

This led to the creation of the play "Twin Dragons".

This clearly demonstrates the low output of Chen Shilong and the helplessness of Zou Wenhuai and others towards him.

"Godfather, that's not how it works! My action scenes could break my arms and legs in a heartbeat. With a year of filming, half of the time is spent recovering from injuries, so it's hard to increase my output!"

Chen Shilong scratched his head and chuckled, then shamelessly picked up a teacup and brought it close to He Guanchang: "Anyway, if 'Iron Man' isn't released this time, I guarantee that this 'Dragon Brothers' will be invincible!"

He Guanchang took the teacup and shook his head helplessly: "Don't speak too confidently. Who knows how long 'Iron Man' will be delayed? 91 Entertainment hasn't revealed much information about this movie yet. I'm afraid it will be another 'Jurassic Park.' It's normal for the box office to catch up later. Zhai Yuan, that kid, is really cunning!"

As she spoke, she glanced at Chen Shilong, who seemed unconvinced, and continued, "In addition, the Western films from the Xinbao Cinema Alliance are also very popular this year. They are also scheduled to be released on the 12th. They are determined to compete with 'Iron Man' and are very confident."

Chen Shilong asked curiously, "Really? What's the name of the Western film they imported this year?"

He Guanchang took a sip of tea and said, "A love story between a human and a ghost..."

…………

The North American hit "Ghost" has generated even more buzz than last year's "Batman," launching a powerful marketing campaign touting its epic romance and tragic beauty.

12 month 12 day,
"Dragon Brothers" will be released simultaneously in two theater chains, Jiahe and 1024, competing with "Ghost". One is "a love that transcends life and death, unchanging in this life and the next", while the other is "a life-or-death masterpiece by Chen Shilong, where he jumps from a plane into a hot air balloon".
On the day of its release, the theaters were filled with applause and laughter as the film "Armour of God" featured a continuous stream of car chases, fight scenes, and parkour sequences.

The theater erupted in cheers and applause.

However, in the theaters of the Xinbao Cinema Alliance, "Ghost" had a completely different atmosphere.

As the iconic scene of Patrick Swayze's spirit dancing with Demi Moore by the potter's wheel slowly appears,
The theater was filled with sobs, and the rustling sound of female audience members pulling out tissues rose and fell.

91 Entertainment

Shi Nansheng sat in his office, letting out a long sigh.

Both "Armour of God" and "Ghost" achieved opening day box office figures approaching two million. At this rate, their total box office is expected to easily surpass thirty million.
While this prime time slot is raking in money from audiences, their own "Iron Man" is still in production.

Jiahe and Xinbao are making money off us!

Shi Nansheng looked at the soaring box office numbers of the other two Lunar New Year blockbusters and his eyes turned red with envy.

"What's the situation in the Soviet Union right now?" Shi Nansheng tapped the table and looked up to ask his assistant.

"The director and his team are still filming reshoots. The copies of the completed scenes were airlifted back and have just been sent to New Vision for editing," the assistant quickly replied. "The main cast and crew should be back by the end of this week at the latest."

"Is Mr. Zhai also coming back?"

"Yes, but he instructed us not to rush to the airport; someone else would take care of picking us up."

Shi Nansheng was taken aback upon hearing this: "Someone else is in charge of picking up passengers? Who?"

"I don't know," the assistant shook his head blankly, then added, "He told us to read the newspaper ourselves."

newspaper?

Shi Nansheng rubbed his temples. These days, the newspapers are full of negative reviews of "Iron Man," it's making my head spin...

…………

After the delay of "Iron Man" was announced
As is customary, Zhai Yuanhe's deeply intertwined company, Jiu Yi Entertainment, has once again suffered a major setback in the media's eyes.

Various speculations arose, the most outrageous being that Zhai Yuan had absconded with the funds, prompting the China Banking Regulatory Commission to proactively inquire about the situation.

Ming Pao was relatively objective, but it also believed that the delayed release was a marketing tactic by 91 Entertainment for the Lunar New Year season.

With the release of two blockbuster films, one Chinese and one Western, by Jiahe and Xinbao Cinemas,
The media changed their tune again, implying that the final product of "Iron Man" was of questionable quality and they dared not challenge its merits...

When it comes to riding the wave of trending topics, Hong Kong media can always come up with all sorts of new ones.

12 month 15 day,
The Hong Kong government's Information Services Department issued a notice, and at the same time, the September 1st Daily also published the news on its front page.

September 1st Daily and Hong Kong Government Information Coordination Office:

The Director of Information Services announced today that, at the invitation of Mr. Zhai Yuan, Chairman of the Heung Yee Kuk of the New Territories, and the Hong Kong 91 Entertainment Group, a delegation from the Ministry of Culture of the Soviet Union will arrive in Hong Kong tomorrow for a cultural visit… During the visit, the delegation will exchange experiences with Hong Kong's cultural figures… The visit aims to promote international cultural exchange and does not involve any political agenda. Hong Kong society has always welcomed representatives from various countries to visit…

One stone caused a thousand waves!

While other companies in the industry were still calculating how much they could earn during this year's Lunar New Year film season...

Zhai Yuan has already extended his reach to cultural exchanges between diplomatic circles, inviting foreign guests as the chairman of the Heung Yee Kuk, which is quite a high level.

12 month 16 day,
A passenger plane slowly landed at Kai Tak Airport.

Traffic police diverted traffic near the airport, and several black cars with Hong Kong government license plates were parked there.

Besides the license plates bearing the three lion crest of Government House, the most eye-catching is the exclusive '1' license plate that Li Junxia has worn since becoming the Commissioner of Police.

The G4 VIP protection team members, in full uniform, stood ready with their sidearms at their sides.

Wei Yixin, dressed in a sharp suit, stood outside the airport with a smile on his face, turning his head to speak quietly with the director of the three departments next to him.

Behind him were officials at various levels, including the Director of Education and the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, as well as several members of the Legislative Council.

The scale and grandeur of the event were second only to the recent visit of the prince and princess to Hong Kong.

"Not only the Soviet Ministry of Culture, but Zhai Yuan also brought the daughter of the Supreme Chairman of the Soviet Union, as well as high-ranking officials from Moscow, to visit Hong Kong?"

Chief Secretary for Administration, Hodgson, asked Wai Yik-shun in a low voice, "Hey Wai sir, should we report this to the Zu family? Otherwise, it could easily turn into a political incident!"

Wei Yixin smiled noncommittally: "They came under the guise of cultural exchange. As a window to the outside world, how could Hong Kong turn away its guests? Besides, 91 Entertainment is a private company, and Zhai Yuan is a councilor and chairman of the Heung Yee Kuk. Theoretically, it was a spontaneous invitation from a local community in the New Territories. Even if someone wants to investigate later, it won't be our fault..."

Upon hearing this, Hod coughed lightly and exchanged glances with the other two directors, which was taken as tacit agreement.

Although the idea of ​​Soviet officials visiting Hong Kong sounds absurd... but considering that Zhai Yuan was involved, everything seems to make sense.

So, as reporters, separated by the cordon, aimed their telephoto lenses at the airport entrances and exits.

Since the opening of Hong Kong to foreign trade, unprecedented scenes have appeared on camera.

Zhai Yuan, who had been missing for more than half a year, walked out of the airport terminal first, his steps steady.

Several Slavic-looking Russians followed him from the side and behind, their eyes flashing with curiosity and scrutiny towards the port city.

Ye Liqing's second daughter, Tatiana, walked down the red carpet with a calm smile, waving to the reporters in the distance.

“Mr. Zhai,” Tatiana said with a slight smile, turning her head to the side, “the location you chose for your Far East Club’s first gathering is truly unexpected.”

"To some extent, I wanted to tell everyone that my base of operations has always been in Hong Kong, so there's no need to worry that I would interfere with the Soviet Union."

Zhai Yuan spoke directly, then chuckled softly, "As the most mature capitalist city in East Asia, Hong Kong is a great place for Miss Tatiana, even though she's not a member of our club, to visit and offer constructive advice for Chairman Ye's future rule. Besides, Hong Kong's nightlife is ready for you. There are no strict rules like in Moscow, and you don't need to worry about being followed by Western journalists in New York. In capitalist territory, money can solve everything. This is the first gathering of our Far East Club, so please enjoy yourselves to the fullest. Before Chairman Ye is elected Federal President, we can hold a celebratory banquet, which will surely leave everyone with unforgettable memories..."

(End of this chapter)