1982 Started from Hong Kong

Chapter 546 Buying Houses and Land
The East Asian cultural sphere is converging, and works like "Slam Dunk" and "Naruto" can be published and released without localization.

However, works involving North America still need to be screened. You can't just let a group of Asian faces make a Pirates of the Caribbean movie, otherwise it would seem strange and awkward in every way.

In contrast, superhero movies have a natural sense of recognition regardless of the cultural context they are placed in.

Even a backward third-world country can create a Wakanda.

A modern myth with a universal narrative core, where wearing a mask and mecha can transform you from weak to strong and save the world.

Relying on visual spectacles and technologically advanced scenes, when the Tony Stark of his memory became John Lone on the screen, aside from the initial discomfort caused by the yellow skin and the character's name, Zhai Yuan gradually accepted the setting.

Ordinary viewers who weren't already influenced by "Iron Man" were quickly immersed in the fast-paced narrative of the popcorn movie.

As the light and shadow shifted on the screen, the enthusiastic atmosphere in the theater was gradually pushed to a climax.

When John Lone faced the audience in the movie and slowly raised his hands, dozens of shells rained down, igniting a series of exclamations in the Serebryansky mining area behind him.

The film companies that originally planned to watch the entire film as soon as possible and then immediately start filming to follow suit were completely dumbfounded.

"Damn it, is there a war going on?"

"Were these explosion scenes computer-generated special effects or real footage?"

"Whatever happens, with 91 Entertainment creating such a momentum, there's no chance they'll have a chance to follow suit!"

After a twenty-minute lavish solo performance by John Lone, the tech genius in the film, another important character then makes his appearance.

Lam Chun-ying transitions from period zombie films set in the Republican era to modern cities. Looking at the John Lone posters plastered in the city, he murmurs "Chiu Sang," instantly pulling the audience back to the plot of "Mr. Vampire."

However, Uncle Ying's appearance was only a cameo. His own series of films will have to wait until Zhai Yuan sorts out the storyline of "Thor" before it can be adapted for local audiences.

Is Hong Kong cinema Marvel's backyard? Wrong, it's now becoming 91 Entertainment's backyard.

On the big screen, Xie Xian, playing the villain, pilots the Iron Monger and engages in a mecha battle with John Lone. After destroying a set costing millions of Hong Kong dollars, the movie's plot gradually comes to a close.

At the end of the film, when interviewed by reporters from various countries, John Lone recreated a famous scene from the original movie: "I am obviously not cut out to be a hero. I have many character flaws and have made many mistakes... The truth is, I am Iron Man."

Amidst the reporters' shouts and commotion, the image froze on John Lone's smiling face.

As the end credits roll, a series of mecha design sketches scroll by, followed by the list of key creative personnel.

Special thanks to:

Shenshan Semiconductor, Zhonggang Communications, Kuaibo Technology Company...

The film used research labs as filming locations, and most of the scenes were set in Zhai Yuan's several technology companies, which inadvertently served as another form of advertising.

Post-credits scene 1:

In his luxury mansion on Victoria Peak, Hung Sin-po, who had successfully lost weight, emerged from the shadows: "Do you think you're the only superhero in the world, Mr. John Lone?"

Post-credits scene 2:

Zunlong was repairing his armor when the laboratory door suddenly opened. The invisible woman, Michelle-Feihua, cautiously approached, but Zunlong didn't even look up and said, "A nanostructured optical camouflage suit, with 2500 miniature cameras on one piece of clothing, capturing images of the surroundings in real time and displaying them on the surface of the camouflage suit, making it look like you're invisible... but that's just a product I had five years ago."

Clap clap clap clap!
As the theater lights came on, the audience stood up, clapping and cheering.

Thus, "Iron Man" became a successor to Michelle Feige's "The Invisible Woman" and Lam Ching-ying's "Mr. Vampire".
91 Entertainment has finally taken its first step in connecting the Chinese-language superhero universe.

…………

As night deepened, the neon lights outside the 1024 Theater reflected the faces of people who were still enjoying themselves.

"I wonder when 'Iron Man' will be released on DVD. John Lone's suit is really cool, but it's a pity that the ticket price of 1024 is still a bit expensive!"

"Luckily, I had the foresight not to watch the other two Lunar New Year films. I saved money and watched them a third time, and they were still very enjoyable."

"Armour of God is not bad. What's so good about movies like Ghost? It's all about love and romance, and it's just for luring young girls into the theater."

"Does this gentleman have a prejudice against women? We all bought tickets for 'Iron Man,' and John Lone is the handsome guy!"

"Tch! You women only care about handsome guys, do you even know what high technology is? Do you even recognize the models of those guns, cannons, and rockets!"

"You know so much, yet your name isn't on any posters? You dress up as fish, shrimp, and crabs; anyone who didn't know better would think you were the director!"

"That's true. I used to think that only martial arts films showed how to fly, but it turns out you can fly even in armor, and you're even more agile than Chen Shilong in a fight..."

The crowd chattered excitedly and noisily.

Even the vendors outside the theater looked curious, wondering whether they should buy a ticket to enter before packing up.

The next day at dawn,

Long queues formed again outside the 1024 Cinema, while the queues at cinemas under the jurisdiction of Jiahe and Xinbao Cinemas were noticeably shorter.

The opening day box office figures for "Iron Man" have been released.
Despite having its box office revenue diluted by two other major Lunar New Year films in the first half of the holiday season, it still topped the charts with 170 million yuan!

The entertainment section of Ming Pao featured a large headline.
'Iron Man soars through the skies and plunges into the earth; the most amazing and breathtaking film of the Lunar New Year season is here.'

Film critics at the Oriental Daily News have started writing columns.
'A milestone in Hong Kong's first true superhero film, combining visuals and story, with the dramatic scenes of a womanizer's self-redemption even more dazzling than the special effects.'

The commentary in Ta Kung Pao contained some ideological elements.
'Iron Man proves that superheroes don't just belong to Hollywood, and saving the world isn't a Western monopoly.'

Amidst the chorus of praise, their own "91 Entertainment" remained calm and composed, without any sensational headlines, simply publishing behind-the-scenes interviews about the show in their columns at a leisurely pace.

Zou Wenhuai was very depressed, and Chen Rongmei was equally depressed.

When 91 Entertainment makes its move, it leaves the previously fiercely competitive films "Ghost" and "Dragon Brothers" in the dust, showing no intention of joining the group and taking the lead.

In Hong Kong alone, audiences have already made their choice based on box office results. Even the introduction of North American blockbusters cannot stop the aggressive rise of 91 Entertainment.

"Now we can continue to target the North American market."

At 91 Entertainment, Shi Nansheng and his colleagues discussed the company's next steps.

While Jiahe was still trying to use Chen Shilong's personal brand to penetrate the North American market...

91 Entertainment takes a steady and pragmatic approach, using the Western films imported by the Xinbao Cinema Alliance as a whetstone.
In the months before Zhai Yuan left Hong Kong, Jurassic Park, touted as "an adventure 6500 million years in the making," was released in 2700 theaters across 3600 screens in North America, causing quite a stir.

Unfortunately, North America is not their home base.
Even with the collaboration with API, the independent company that distributed "The Invisible Woman," and Roger Corman's personal endorsement, the two Chinese faces, Wan Tzu-liang and Chung Chu-hung, were still at a disadvantage. The film was shown intermittently for two months, and despite spending tens of millions of US dollars on marketing and distribution, the final box office revenue barely exceeded 1 million US dollars.

Of course, this achievement is dazzling enough for any Hong Kong film.

But this is, after all, Jurassic Park.
The box office dropped three or four times just because the lead actor was changed to Chinese. In Boss Zhai's words, the Americans are just too much!

Shi Nansheng told the head of the distribution department, "This time, the performance of 'Iron Man' should be better than 'Jurassic Park'. After all, there are many foreigners in this movie, and John Lone has won awards in North America in the past. Let API promote it in this way as much as possible."

"In addition, Mr. Zhai's point is that even if we don't promote all the actors, we should still polish the 91 Entertainment brand so that when white people mention Asian films in the future, our company will be the first one they think of."

"So we need to change our approach to the North American market. We can no longer follow the path of 'Jurassic Park' which relies solely on stunning special effects. We need to make the audience there feel that this is not an Asian film made in Hollywood, but a Hollywood film made by Asians, with superheroes with Asian faces in addition to Superman."

Several key members of the publicity team exchanged glances, and they all vaguely understood the weight of these words.

To carve out a path in Hollywood's unwritten rules, "Jurassic Park" and "Iron Man" were just the beginning. Starting from Hong Kong, the company was about to truly enter the North American market.

…………

While John Lone was still wearing Iron Man armor, flying through the air on screen and indulging in debauchery in his mansion.

The Natural Selection gambling ship off-screen,
After receiving the message from the film company, Luo Zhaohui rushed over to visit Zhai Yuan immediately.

“Mr. Zhai, the villa on Barker Road during the filming of ‘Iron Man’ was provided by me. If you are interested, please let me know. I am very familiar with those real estate developers and can definitely get everything sorted out as soon as possible.”

Twenty-six-year-old Luo Zhaohui smiled broadly, revealing a humble attitude to Zhai Yuan, his face seemingly blooming like a chrysanthemum.

This was the second time Zhai Yuan had met Luo Zhaohui. Back on the day Jiu Yi Entertainment Group went public, this legendary real estate agent, who followed behind Liu, had proactively handed over his business card, but Zhai Yuan had already thrown it away as trash.

"Not bad, that mansion on the hilltop looks quite impressive, more pleasing to the eye than my villa in Deep Water Bay."

Zhai Yuan leaned back in his chair, toying with a chip in his hand, and said with a smile, "Brother Hui, I still have a few friends in the Soviet Union who have been arranged to stay at the Peninsula Hotel. However, considering that they will often come to Hong Kong for temporary stays in the future, the reason I contacted you this time is not just because I want a property on The Peak..." Upon hearing this, Luo Zhaohui's eyes lit up, and he hurriedly said, "Mr. Zhai, please give me your orders. To put it bluntly, all the real estate developers in Hong Kong are giving me some face now."

Zhai Yuan smiled and nodded upon hearing this.

Speaking of Lo Siu-fai, he switched from being a handyman at the Bashu Building to becoming a real estate agent at the age of 17. In just a few years, he ingratiated himself with Lau Luen-hung and gained his favor. Now he is a well-known luxury home consultant. At the age of 26, his net worth exceeded 100 million, which is definitely a legendary figure. If it weren't for big clients like Zhai Yuan coming to his door, Lo Siu-fai would not have to handle his business personally today.

However, compared to his legendary experiences, Zhai Yuan was more interested in the female companion beside him at this moment, and his gaze unconsciously lingered on the young woman next to Luo Zhaohui for a few seconds.

This year's Miss Hong Kong winner, Anita Yuen, is known for having nine police officers in her family.

Looking at Yuan Liangliang, who was now holding Luo Zhaohui's arm and nestled obediently beside him, Zhai Yuan couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion.

Tsk! I only spent a few months in the Soviet Union, and this year's Miss Hong Kong contestants have already been snapped up by others, each one faster than the last.

"Including the mansion on the hilltop, I want to acquire a total of eleven properties this time."

Zhai Yuan's thoughts wandered for a while before he looked back at Luo Zhaohui with a smile: "Ten of them are for friends. I don't know much about the quality of the houses, but I'll just say the average price per house is 3000 million. I'd appreciate it if you could recommend some for me, Brother Hui."

"Ten rooms?"

Luo Zhaohui's voice trembled slightly.

Upon hearing this, Yuan Liangliang, who was standing to the side, showed a look of astonishment in her eyes, and her mouth slightly open.

Buying Chinese cabbage?
In the early 1990s, with the imminent handover and a wave of emigration, public confidence was low, and Hong Kong's property market also slumped for a long time.

Even so, Hong Kong's property prices are still far ahead of those in surrounding areas.

He's asking for ten properties worth 3000 million each? And that doesn't even include the king-of-the-hill building on the hilltop.

Luo Zhaohui had been a real estate agent for many years and had never seen a buyer like Zhai Yuan.

"What?" Zhai Yuan chuckled. "Is it difficult?"

Luo Zhaohui shook his head repeatedly, pondered for a moment, and said eagerly, "The airplane collided with the kite, what a coincidence, Mr. Zhai!"

"Longdi Company!"

Luo Zhaohui seemed to have a real estate search database in his head, quickly matching properties that met Zhai Yuan's requirements.

He continued, “Longdi is a mainland Chinese company that has only been in the Hong Kong real estate market for a few years. Its largest project at present is the villa area project at No. 2 Barker Road, which consists of a penthouse and ten townhouses. It was just completed two years ago and is now up for sale.”

"Given the sluggish property market this year, Longdi has been unable to find buyers for the completed villa complex and is planning to mortgage it to the bank to raise funds. However, Mr. Zhai, please rest assured that Longdi's property management, labor and materials are absolutely no problem, and the average building area of ​​each villa is 4500 square feet."

“This villa complex is mortgaged to the bank, and so far only HK$1.8 million has been recovered. If Mr. Zhai is interested, I’ll offer HK$3 million and I’ll go and talk to them.”

The estate, comprising eleven villas including the penthouse, is valued at HK$3 million, with an average price of over HK$2700 million per villa, which is cheaper than Zhai Yuan had anticipated.

At the beginning of last year, when the property market was booming, Tai Sang Properties, the family of Ma Ching-yi, the coach of the Golden House Club, purchased a luxury house at No. 1 Barker Road for only over HK$30 million. However, the price dropped by millions after the purchase. Ma Ching-yi complained to Michiko Nishiwaki more than once that her family had no vision.

Zhai Yuan had also heard of Longdi Company.

Although the real estate company under China Resources Group was established not long ago, Zhai Yuan believed that the reputation of a central state-owned enterprise was definitely not a problem. After all, the "Run" in China Resources... look it up yourself.

"Okay~ 3 million it is~"

Zhai Yuan mentally weighed the price, then looked up at Luo Zhaohui and smiled: "What about that king-of-the-hill building from my movie?"

22 Barker Road.

Suppressing his excitement, Luo Zhaohui continued, "The property that Mr. Zhai has his eye on used to be the residence of the Belgian Consulate. The site area is 33500 square feet, and the usable area is 9900 square feet. Next door is the residence of the American Consulate, and down the hill is the residence of the Chief Secretary for Administration. In terms of grandeur, it ranks among the top three of all the super mansions in Hong Kong. It is absolutely worthy of your status, Mr. Zhai."

After the introduction and flattery, Luo Zhaohui cautiously quoted the price: "One hundred and twenty million. What do you think of this price, Mr. Zhai?"

As soon as he introduced it, Zhai Yuan immediately remembered.

22 Barker Road, isn't that the super mansion that Jack Ma later bought for 15 billion?

It is said to be one of the most expensive properties in the world. At this time, Li Zhaoji had not yet moved into the Emperor's Mansion, and Zhou Xingchi had not yet moved into the Sky High Mansion. Apart from Government House, the only other property comparable to 22 Barker Road is probably Genesis where Xiang Zhiqiu lives. Even Jin Liangyong's No. 1 Peak Road is a bit inferior.

Buy it! It's my turn to enjoy it!

Zhai Yuan didn't hesitate much and immediately made a decision: "Including the villa area in Longdi, there are a total of twelve properties, valued at 420 million. I will pay a 10% deposit first, and the remaining balance will be settled within one year. If you can handle it, you can bring the contract to see me tomorrow."

Luo Zhaohui's head was buzzing, and his breathing became rapid.

The meeting with Zhai Yuan lasted only half an hour, and a deal worth 420 million yuan was struck just like that.

Even at the height of the real estate boom, I've never seen a boss spend so lavishly.

"Thank you for your trust, Mr. Zhai!" Luo Zhaohui stood up, his face beaming even more.

If this deal goes smoothly, he can easily pocket tens of millions in commission from both the buyer and seller. He can't wait to go back and draft the contract.

Yuan Liangliang, who was standing to the side, was completely dumbfounded after listening to the whole thing.

After she was crowned Miss Hong Kong, she met many so-called tycoons, and Lo Siu-fai was actually her second sugar daddy.

In comparison, he is not even in the same league as Zhai Yuan.

"Mr. Zhai is really generous!"

Seeing that the men had finished discussing business, Yuan Liangliang finally couldn't help but speak up.

She winked playfully, "After I finish being a goodwill ambassador this year, I wonder if I'll have a chance to find a job at 91 Entertainment?"

After being crowned Miss Hong Kong, each winner is required to serve as a goodwill ambassador for a year, promoting Hong Kong around the world. During this year, they are not allowed to participate in any commercial activities.

Therefore, among all the Miss Hong Kong winners, it is actually the first and second runners-up who entered the entertainment industry earlier.

Zhai Yuan glanced at Yuan Liangliang, then at Luo Zhaohui. His woman was acting like a flirt, but Luo Zhaohui was not displeased at all; on the contrary, his smile widened.

"Of course, no problem. Miss Yuan is so beautiful, she could easily be the leading lady!"

Zhai Yuan gave a casual reply.

Yuan Liangliang's eyes lit up upon hearing this: "Thank you, Mr. Zhai!"

Luo Zhaohui's gaze swept over Zhai Yuan and Yuan Liangliang twice, and he said with a smile, "Liangliang, I need to have a word with Mr. Zhai alone. You go out and wait for me."

Yuan Liangliang responded and walked out of the private room.

No sooner had the woman left than Luo Zhaohui spoke directly, adopting a pimp-like manner: "Mr. Zhai, Liangliang is only nineteen years old this year. The entertainment industry is so complicated that a young girl like her can't handle it. Why don't you let her stay by your side for the next couple of days and teach her some of the rules of the entertainment industry in advance?"

Seeing that Zhai Yuan remained silent, Luo Zhaohui wore a knowing smile and continued, "This girl used to be with Young Master Yue, but then Young Master Yue's wife wasn't satisfied, so Young Master Yue instructed me to take care of her for a while, just for fun. If you're willing to take care of her, you can just throw a few hundred thousand at her every month."

Zhai Yuan understood the implication in the words and raised an eyebrow slightly.

Do all rich people play such perverted games?

After all, he was an outstanding young man who had risen to the ranks of the wealthy, and Zhai Yuan was also familiar with the so-called "care" culture.

Hong Kong's wealthy never use the term "keeping a mistress," as it sounds low-class. They only use the word "taking care of." It's impossible to know which predecessor invented this term, but whenever asked by the media, today's wealthy all say the same thing: "I take care of young girls."

In order to obtain more resources, such mutual recommendation and favoritism is not surprising.

Luo Zhaohui, relying on shared interests, successively ingratiated himself with Liu Luanxiong and Lin Jianyue.

Later, his underling Stephen Chow followed suit and helped Law Siu-fai get together with a beautiful woman named Sun Ka-kwan, thereby getting involved with a group of wealthy men including Lau and Yue Shao, and thus stepping into the capital circle.

However, in this day and age, Luo Zhaohui's attempt to use this tactic on Zhai Yuan clearly underestimated the upright gentleman sitting opposite him who had transcended vulgar tastes.

"No breasts, no ribs, and legs as short as pounding sticks, how can you eat something so thick?"

Zhai Yuan chuckled, dragging Lin Jianyue into it as well, and waved his hand dismissively: "Alright! When have you ever heard of a prodigy like you lacking women? You can enjoy this simple meal yourself~ Anyway, get me the property deeds for those properties as soon as possible, I'm waiting to send out the gifts, that's all~"

(End of this chapter)