Entertainment: 1990

Chapter 338 Talk

Upstairs private room.

Despite repeated refusals from Zhang Yan, Andy Lau could not persuade her otherwise and could only tap the table lightly with his fingers as Zhang Yan helped pour the tea.

Zhang Yan turned around and refilled Han Sanping's cup, then poured himself a cup of tea and said with a smile, "In theory, since I'm the one treating, we should drink until we drop, but I'm following my doctor's orders to abstain from alcohol and prepare for pregnancy, so I can only ask Director Han to have a few more drinks with you."

"No, no, it's more appropriate for me to have a couple more drinks with Director Han."

When Andy Lau arrived, he had done his homework and knew that Beijing Film Studio held some distribution rights. In order to save his crumbling company, he treated Director Han with utmost respect.

This attitude pleased Han Sanping greatly. Back in Hong Kong, although those big stars didn't dare to disrespect Director Lin and Director Teng, they were somewhat arrogant towards their entourage.

As a top star in Hong Kong, Andy Lau's humble attitude naturally earned him more favor.

"Haha~"

Han Sanping laughed heartily and said, "I was originally curious why Mr. Liu would come to Beijing with the inspection team. It turns out that he had made an appointment with Brother Zhang a long time ago. If we had known about this relationship earlier, we should have gotten closer to each other when we were in Hong Kong."

"It's not too late now."

Zhang Yan laughed and said, "Brother, aren't you interested in Jin Yong dramas? What a coincidence, Mr. Liu became famous by acting in Jin Yong dramas back then."

Andy Lau became famous for his role as Emperor Kangxi in the 83 version of "The Return of the Condor Heroes" and the 84 version of "The Deer and the Cauldron".

Upon hearing Zhang Yan mention the events of that year, he quickly said modestly, "Jin Yong's dramas have been made to death. If you ask me, Zhang Sheng's 'New Dragon and Phoenix' is much more interesting. If it were introduced to Hong Kong, it would definitely be a huge hit."

This was also one of the things Andy Lau did to prepare. Before coming, he specifically fast-forwarded through a pirated DVD of "The New Dragon and the Phoenix" so that he could have more common topics with Zhang Yan.

However, his praise for "The New Dragon and the Phoenix" was genuine. He said that this kind of lively, funny, and occasionally touching drama is exactly what Hong Kong and Taiwan audiences like.

In terms of costumes, props, and locations, "The New Dragon and Phoenix" is far superior to the Jin Yong dramas filmed in the 80s.

"You flatter me, you flatter me."

Zhang Yan waved his hand and said, "Jin Yong dramas may not be new in Hong Kong, but there are still many people in the mainland who have never seen them - of course, except for the 83 version of The Legend of the Condor Heroes."

Han Sanping followed up, saying, "In order to meet the growing demand from mainland television stations, our Beijing Film Studio is preparing to set up a new subsidiary specializing in the production of TV dramas, and to import experience and technology from Hong Kong to produce mainland versions of Jin Yong's novels."

"This……"

Upon hearing Han Sanping mention the remake of Jin Yong's novels, Andy Lau was clearly skeptical. He then added a disclaimer, saying, "Actually, I'm not very familiar with the situation in mainland China. Please forgive me if I'm wrong."

Since Hong Kong already has ready-made Jin Yong dramas, and the previously imported "The Legend of the Condor Heroes" and "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils" performed very well in terms of ratings, why not continue to import them?
Look at Taiwan, Singapore, Southeast Asia, and even Japan and South Korea; they're importing a lot of Hong Kong dramas, especially classic old ones, at very low cost.

Zhang Yan and Han Sanping exchanged a glance and shook their heads in unison, saying, "China is not Southeast Asia."

Han Sanping further added: "In addition to Hong Kong's film and television resources, the mainland must also have its own production teams. After all, competition leads to progress."

Zhang Yan put it more bluntly: "The film and television industry is different from others. It involves the propaganda front, and the initiative must still be in the hands of the state."

These words sent a chill down Andy Lau's spine.

He keenly realized that it would not be as easy for Hong Kong's entertainment circle to expand into the mainland, and that there must be some kind of ceiling to it.

He quickly raised his teacup and said, "I was thinking too simply. Thank you both for your guidance."

This attitude pleased Han Sanping even more. He clinked glasses with Andy Lau and tentatively asked, "I wonder if Mr. Lau would be interested in collaborating with our Beijing Film Studio to remake a Jin Yong drama?"

Zhang Yan frowned slightly. He suggested to Han Sanping that they find behind-the-scenes personnel in Hong Kong to set up a stage for mainland actors to perform. Unexpectedly, Han Sanping extended an invitation to Andy Lau instead.

How can costs possibly be reduced under such circumstances?

Although Zhang Yan understood Han Sanping's desire to leverage Andy Lau's popularity to quickly gain an advantage, he still felt that Han Sanping was somewhat impatient and opportunistic.

When Andy Lau heard Han Sanping's invitation, he didn't respond immediately. Instead, he sipped his tea and pondered. Since his last cameo appearance in 92, he hadn't accepted any more television drama offers. If a Hong Kong company or television station approached him, he would definitely turn it down.

But the other party was, after all, the director of the largest film studio in mainland China, and also held the rights to distribute films...

Knock knock knock~
Just then, there was a knock on the door. Zhang Yan replied, "Come in," and saw two familiar figures walking in, somewhat awkwardly carrying the menu.

Zhang Yan asked in surprise, "Besides greeting guests, you also work as waiters?"

Li Bingbing quickly explained, "No, it's because someone recognized Hua... recognized Mr. Andy Lau and wanted to ask for a few autographs."

Li Xue continued, "Even the lobby manager and the deputy general manager wanted to get an autograph for their wives—because we know you, Mr. Zhang, so they asked us to come and inquire."

Li Bingbing added, "Originally, we were unwilling, but if we didn't come to deliver the message, those people probably wouldn't give up willingly. If the news got out, it would only cause more trouble, so..."

As they spoke, the two sisters simultaneously gave each other a helpless, bitter smile.

Upon hearing this, Andy Lau took off his sunglasses, which he had been wearing, and placed them on the table. He said helplessly, "Mainland fans really have sharp eyes. I didn't expect to be recognized like this."

After saying that, he stood up again: "Since you are Zhang Sheng's friends, I will definitely fulfill your request. May I ask where you would like to sign your name?"

The two sisters were overjoyed; they hadn't expected things to go so smoothly.

Although I used to think Mr. Zhang was very impressive, based on the deeply ingrained biases of this day and age, I still thought that big stars and directors from Hong Kong were more impressive. I never expected that Mr. Zhang's influence had spread to Hong Kong.

This greatly shocked them.

Seeing Andy Lau approach, the two quickly took out paper and pen. In their haste, they didn't prepare any photos, so they just registered everyone's names and asked Andy Lau to write down his instructions in the notebook.

Zhang Yan, standing nearby, said unhappily, "Go tell that so-called deputy general manager that if the news of Mr. Liu eating here gets out, we will definitely investigate this matter thoroughly!"

Upon hearing this, Li Bingbing quickly explained, "Actually, the deputy general manager has already been trying his best to appease them. Some of the hostesses are models hired from outside. If they hadn't been coaxed and intimidated, they probably would have already tried every means to cling to us."

Even ten years later, many mainland stars still wanted to curry favor with the Hong Kong entertainment circle, not to mention 94 when the Hong Kong entertainment circle had not yet truly declined.

Women who are single-mindedly trying to marry into a wealthy family in Hong Kong don't care whether their ideas are realistic or not; they just rush in like moths to a flame.

Let alone Andy Lau, one of the Four Heavenly Kings, even if it were a third-tier Hong Kong star—or even an ugly one—plenty of girls would throw themselves at him without a second thought.

Seeing that Zhang Yan didn't say anything more, Li Bingbing secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Li Xue didn't hesitate to ask for an autograph as well. Although Li Bingbing also wanted one, she wanted to appear more reserved in front of Zhang Yan, so she reluctantly gave it up in the end.

After Andy Lau finished signing with his flowing, elegant handwriting.

The two asked them to order the food before leaving the private room, feeling both uneasy and anxious.

Seeing this, Zhang Yan couldn't help but shake his head inwardly. These days, people have a kind of awe towards Hong Kong, even someone like Han Sanping is no exception.

There's no way around it; after all, this is an era where any Hong Kong businessman can become a guest of honor for city leaders.

…………

Outside the private room door.

Taking the autographs from the trembling hands of the Ice and Snow sisters, the deputy general manager's face glistened with excitement. He carefully tore off the page for his wife and then said to the two sisters, "You don't need to be on duty outside at noon. Go back and get some rest. Come back in the evening."

"Thank you manager."

After thanking him, Li Bingbing relayed Zhang Yan's words to him.

The deputy general manager waved his hand and said, "Don't worry, I've locked those temporary outsourced greeters in the changing room. I'll make sure they don't disturb our distinguished guests."

(End of this chapter)