A grand feast for the Chinese entertainment industry

Chapter 214 Inhuman!
A villa on the hillside in Hong Kong, with a large study.

On the desk in front of Lin Jianlu, there was a thick stack of various documents. He would sit down after breakfast and spend one or two hours reading them, but he still hadn't finished.

On the eighth day of the Lunar New Year, he went to the Ministry of Truth and talked with the leaders for about half an hour. The atmosphere was quite harmonious throughout. In short, the result was very good.

After meeting with his superiors in the morning, he spent the afternoon visiting his parents. That evening, he flew to Hong Kong. He was told he could rest for ten days or half a month, but that only meant he wouldn't have to attend public events or participate in filming. Given his current position and the funds, career, and connections he had, he couldn't possibly get any real vacation.

Wherever he goes, there's always a ton of things waiting for him!

Yes, the ratings data for ATV's opening drama of the year, "Water Margin," is laid out on the table.

Since this CCTV-produced annual drama series premiered simultaneously on ATV, it has received almost unanimous praise from various media outlets in Hong Kong, but its viewership ratings have remained mediocre.

It couldn't compete with a gambling drama that premiered around the same time on TVB—reportedly, the plot is about a young man from a fish stall who becomes rich through gambling and achieves a remarkable turnaround! Wow, an inspirational story!

That's just... weird!
Ultimately, it's the mainstream Hong Kong audience that isn't particularly interested in the story of "Water Margin".

According to Lin Jianlu's personal observation, the younger generation in Hong Kong has very little sense of national identity. Their parents, even when they left the mainland at a young age or even as infants, still had a strong attachment to their homeland and a deep sense of belonging to the motherland due to their family and social environment. However, the latest generation of young people has basically lost this concept.

At the same time, their thoughts, ideas, and hobbies have all been assimilated quite severely by Western-style English education, to the point that among the younger generation, not to mention actually doing so, even those who are willing to read through the Four Great Classical Novels are no longer a large proportion.

Having lost the widespread influence of the original work, they probably think that a rebellion story from over a thousand years ago is no match for a Jin Yong drama, a gangster film, or even a gambling drama!
At least their show is closer to their lives, making it easier for them to relate to it.

Even now, despite the return to normalcy, the overall situation hasn't changed much.

And frankly speaking, it's not easy to change a set of values ​​that have already been formed.

Moreover, the country is taking a rather cautious approach, showing considerable gentleness and restraint towards everything here—which is not entirely incomprehensible, given that it's the first time "one country, two systems" has been implemented and the country wants to set an example for Taiwan, as well as the international public opinion environment, and the country's current focus is on economic development, among other considerations.

However, well... anyway, the performance of "Water Margin" was not exactly a bad start, but it was certainly much worse than Lin Jianlu's expectations before it started airing.

This forced him to slightly revise his assessment of Hong Kong's young people. When ATV produces variety shows, it will need to reconsider which areas of interest to focus on.

Then, ATV came up with a plan to go completely digital.

Frankly speaking, Lin Jianlu didn't know whether the plan was good or not. Running a TV station was already completely beyond his capabilities. The transition from traditional TV recording and broadcasting to digital recording and broadcasting was far too specialized for him to understand.

The entire project has a budget of HK$6.4 million – an absolute splurge!
Let's put that aside for now. We need to recruit people from the capital. Tan Xisong, the director of the advertising department of CCTV, and Zhao Fengshou, the deputy director of the Capital TV station, have already taken up their posts before the Lunar New Year, but they are still in the observation and learning stage—it's too early for them to fully integrate. However, Zhao Fengshou is in charge of this business at the Capital TV station, so after a while, we'll have him take the lead and get the digitalization done. As for Tan Xisong, he will be responsible for preparing for the satellite TV station.

Well, only two people came, but their connections and roots are all in the capital. They need very professional people, so we can recruit them from the capital!

These days, it's common for mainland officials to take unpaid leave to do business or work. Everyone is racking their brains to make money. Zhao Fengshou is not low-ranking and has connections within the system, but with an annual salary of HK$40, he was easily poached. Although there was a formal task assigned by his superiors involved, his attitude during their previous meeting showed that he had no resistance whatsoever—after all, he could go back after a few years anyway.

When the time comes, we'll hand this plan over to Brother Zhao Fengshou for another review before making any decisions.

However, well... when it will actually be implemented, or even when it will be put to the board of directors or not, is still another matter. But what I can do now is take this budget and visit the two minority shareholders of ATV—it's time to spend money, let's all chip in proportionally!

It's all for the development of the TV station, it's just a matter of time, so the sooner we act, the sooner we can seize the opportunity! I'm the major shareholder, I hold all the shares, I've invested the most money, I don't even mind if it's too much, but you guys are unwilling to invest?

Otherwise... I'll invest in a share swap, and you'll have to accept that your shareholdings will be diluted even further.

Or you could just sell the shares to me!

There was also a thick stack of faxes—with a note from Zhang Aijia attached on top, which helped Lin Jianlu roughly organize the large stack of documents below.

But Lin Jianlu still had to review each of the more than one hundred brand endorsement and cooperation proposals.

It wasn't because she didn't trust Zhang Aijia, nor because she didn't believe in her professional abilities; it was simply that, having come this far, Lin Jianlu was both willing to trust anyone completely, yet absolutely dared not trust anyone entirely.

He knew perfectly well which person in his life loved him to the point of obsession, but at the same time, he also clearly foresaw that this love would eventually become tiring and tiresome.

Besides, there's no time to spend with them; the time allotted to any woman is actually insufficient.

And the supply is becoming increasingly insufficient!
Sylvia Chang is undoubtedly a die-hard artsy type, especially when it comes to relationships. She's the kind of woman who's incredibly sentimental—and I'm not just using a figure of speech; she's the kind of person who would actually die for love!

But so what?

If this kind of person doesn't get the satisfaction of love from you for a long time, she might suddenly become disheartened and disappointed one day. And once she decides to leave you, or even starts to hate you, her stubborn, artsy traits, as well as the skills and knowledge she has accumulated over the years, will suddenly give her tremendous destructive power—especially since she knows herself so well!
Lin Jianlu's current approach to treating her is based on a sadomasochistic relationship.

Abuse her! Give her nothing!
She would be so grateful for even the occasional act of care and warmth that she would burst into tears.

But it might not last long. Looking at it from a longer-term perspective, Lin Jianlu himself knows that he should have started building his own team in America this year. He should have two or three accountants and lawyers, and he should also find a local agent in America to share the power with Zhang Aijia. In this way, with checks and balances from all sides, things might be delayed and wrangled, and efficiency would be reduced by a lot, but the safety factor would be increased significantly!
It just costs a little more money.

It's better than living in constant fear of betrayal—betrayal is almost an inherent part of human nature, and given enough time, it's almost inevitable!
Human nature is something you have to be wary of!
Then you should try to be as inhuman as possible, think from the coldest perspective, and not give anyone a chance to betray you—that could be considered saving everyone's relationship!

Even from the perspective of a collector's obsession or stamp collecting fanatic, Lin Jianlu was unwilling to give any of his girlfriends the chance to betray him—just stay by my side!
Betrayal is such a bad deal!

I've already blocked all the possible paths you might take to betray me!

Wow... someone even invited me to co-own a boxing gym!
No investment is required; all that's needed is to attend a three-day internal gym conference once a year, allow the chain gyms to use your image for advertising, and serve as the honorary gym owner. In return, you'll receive 20% of the shares and an annual salary of $6 million. This chain gym is quite large, with over forty physical gyms across North America, more than 10,000 students annually, and annual revenue reaching $140 million last year!

Go to hell!

I know my own situation best; I'm not Bruce Lee!
In a street brawl, relying on natural physical advantages and a certain level of Bajiquan skill, one might actually manage to fight their way in and out seven times. But in a proper boxing lesson or sparring match, a true master would knock one of them down with a single punch!
Let's not even discuss whether the conditions are high or low; the first thing is that we can't take this job!
Besides, you think you can use this little bit of stuff to build up the "kung fu master" persona I worked so hard to establish in America? Dream on!
Luxury goods, yachts, sports equipment, suits, leather shoes, casual wear, sportswear, sneakers, bicycles, cars, Sony DVDs, game consoles, fast food chains... washing machines? And baby formula?
Yes, when we spent Chinese New Year together in a courtyard house in the capital, Brigitte Lin mentioned that an Australian milk powder brand had asked her to be their spokesperson, but she turned it down.

Sigh, I'll take my time choosing.

After thinking for a moment, Lin Jianlu raised her wrist to check the time and finally decided to call Zhang Aijia. It should be 10 p.m. Eastern Time, and Zhang Aijia was probably still awake.

As expected, she hadn't slept, so Lin Jianlu said, "I remember signing an endorsement deal with BMW in '96 for three years. My idea is to prioritize them. You can contact them first and see how it goes. As for other endorsements, you can evaluate them. They need to fit my image to some extent. Things like milk powder, I just want to laugh when I see them! As for other ones, we can start by talking about those that don't conflict with the endorsements we've already signed."

Okay, let's chat for a bit, then I'll hang up and keep watching, even if it's tough.

Things are different now. He is no longer the Asian superstar he once was. Therefore, no matter how big or small the brand is, as long as they extend an endorsement invitation, the terms they offer are undoubtedly for the main spokesperson. The endorsement fee basically starts at tens of millions of US dollars, with the most common being around 2000 million US dollars per year. BMW is still one of the brands that is most willing to offer a price. They want to expand their cooperation on the basis of the original Asian spokesperson and invite Lin Jianlu to become the global main spokesperson. The endorsement fee they offered is directly 3000 million US dollars per year!

But Toyota seems to be more willing to spend – they offered a high price of 2500 million for brand ambassadorship in North America, and have prepared a global ambassadorship contract in advance. As soon as Lin Jianlu's three-year ambassadorship contract with BMW ends, it can be signed and take effect immediately. This contract, which includes North America, Asia and the world, has a total price of up to 6000 million US dollars per year!

In comparison, Volkswagen offered only 4000 million for a similar endorsement offer, while Audi, a subsidiary of Volkswagen, offered a total of 4800 million for endorsements in North America, Europe, and South America!

Well, looking back now, all those endorsement contracts I signed with such enthusiasm were basically a trap. Terminating them didn't seem worthwhile, since they all had less than two years left; I could just bear with them. But if I didn't terminate them, at least I couldn't sign global endorsements, and even if I wanted to, the contracts would be incredibly fragmented. However, there's nothing to regret. I've almost spent all my endorsement fees from the second year; that's enough to support a dozen or so girlfriends, isn't it?
It took almost an hour just to scan it once!
Then comes... filing taxes.

The Lunar New Year is over. Tax laws vary around the world, but spring is generally tax season.

However, in 1997, apart from paying taxes in mainland China, I was basically tax-free worldwide—American America was tax-free, because although I earned more than 100 million US dollars in actual income there, my investment there also reached more than 200 million US dollars last year!

In America, personal income tax is regulated in this way: if you invest your money in the local stock market and buy stocks, you are exempt from personal income tax. Capital gains tax is levied only when you sell the stocks.

If you don't sell your stocks, you'll never have to pay taxes.

Therefore, when Lin Jianlu contacted accountants there before, she heard that wealthy people in America, especially big players in the financial market, are basically tax-free. When they need to spend money, they mortgage their stocks and take out loans for daily expenses. They even use their annual dividends to buy stocks again. They don't pay any capital gains tax to the federal government—the interest on the loans is fully tax-deductible!
If I borrow one million US dollars, the interest this year will be 8 US dollars. I also received 20 US dollars in dividends this year, which would require me to pay 8 US dollars in capital gains tax. However, since I have 8 US dollars in interest this year, I don't need to pay any tax!
One million dollars is free, 20 in dividends are all in hand, and the 8 dollars in interest and tax deductions can be exchanged for a ton of services and conveniences from the bank. It's no wonder that America is essentially a country founded by big landowners and capitalists. No matter how it adjusts internally, all its laws will always be designed to help the rich. Unless there is a complete revolution at the bottom of society, this fundamental nature will not change.

Lin Jianlu, on the other hand, is now a complete capitalist in America.

The Yahoo and Amazon stock he holds is now worth more than $8 million!
Tax-free in Taiwan too—well, I received royalties from Rock Records in 1996. I bought a house at the end of that year, but the amount wasn't enough, so I had to pay some taxes. But when I received royalties again in 1997, I had more experience. I listened to the accountant's advice and asked Rock Records' Hong Kong branch to list my income and expenses and file my taxes. But last year, I spent billions of Hong Kong dollars in Hong Kong. How could I possibly still have to pay taxes?

Of course, Chen Shuhua and Su Huilun are the ones who need to pay, and since they have already handed over all their savings to him, he definitely has to pay for them.

Not much. Together, it's about 2800 million NT dollars, which is less than one million US dollars.

Including the capital gains tax they had to pay on various stocks and real estate transactions, the total amount was approximately two million US dollars—and there was no escaping paying that money.

Overall, this tax plan is quite well done.

All things considered, Lin Jianlu clearly made a lot of money last year, but basically no matter where she was, she didn't have to pay a single penny of tax. After tallying up the accounts and paying the taxes for Tianhou Hua and Tianhou Lun, this year's tax season would be over.

…………

Lin Jianlu was still looking at the documents when there was a knock on the door.

"Come in!" The door was pushed open the next moment, and a little fairy darted in. "Ta-da... I'm back!"

Lin Jianlu saw that it was Zhou Huimin and stood up with a look of surprise, "Didn't you say you were going to travel more in Southeast Asia? How come you're back so soon?"

She ran over, hugged him, and kissed Lin Jianlu several times. "I missed you! Hong Gu said your flight was yesterday afternoon, so I booked an early morning flight for today! Aren't you surprised?"

"Haha, surprise! Big surprise!"

She had a bright smile on her face. Although she had been traveling for more than a week, she didn't look tired at all. Instead, she exuded a spirited energy.

Thus, people became more beautiful and flowers became more charming.

Yes, Ge Fuhong reported that the local Hong Kong media have been reporting on it like crazy lately.

At the beginning of this year, Vivian Chow was undoubtedly the most popular.

Less than a week after its release, her new album "Encounter" was launched with the lead single "Gong Xi Fa Cai" and sold over 20 copies in Hong Kong. In Taiwan, where her influence is relatively low, it also sold as many as 19 copies. Other Southeast Asian countries also saw a frenzy of sales.

This is just the beginning!
Because radio programs, newspaper music reviews, street interviews, and surveys all clearly show one fact: less than 20% of the reason why her album became a huge hit in Hong Kong and Taiwan was due to the song "Gong Xi Fa Cai" broadcast on CCTV's Spring Festival Gala by ATV!
It was only after the album became a hit that this song became a massive hit in various places!
The reason that accounts for about 20% is that after Vivian Chow went to Japan for a period of time and virtually disappeared from Hong Kong, she actually made a comeback. As a result, her old fans were overjoyed and immediately went to buy her albums to help her increase sales and prevent her from retiring again!
The remaining 60% comes from Lin Jianlu's still-dominant influence in music creation and production—the concept that "anything produced by a superstar is bound to be a masterpiece" is no longer just a concept in the Chinese music market, but has almost become an ironclad rule in the hearts of fans!
Whoever he produces an album for, it always has his own unique style!
So, buy!
Moreover, after the album's release, while "Gong Xi Fa Cai" was indeed sweet and timely, becoming an instant hit, the overall tone of the album remained Lin Jianlu's typical style: extremely beautiful melodies and lyrics, extremely avant-garde and trendy arrangements, and Lin Jianlu's tuning of Zhou Huimin's voice and singing style, etc. Even though Lin Jianlu had been a sensation for nearly two years and many imitators had appeared in the market, these things could still be considered his unique skills that allowed him to make a living.

Therefore, after the album was released, it received extremely high overall reviews and praise!
This indicates that although the album was a huge hit upon release, it is not the kind of album that squanders 80% of its sales at once. It still has plenty of potential for future sales!
Frankly speaking, these achievements alone would be considered a huge success for anyone in the Chinese music scene, enough to warrant a grand celebration. However, for Vivian Chow and her album "Encounter," there was an even bigger surprise – in mainland China, thanks to the advantage of its release on the first day of the Lunar New Year, and the absolute promotional advantage of "Gong Xi Fa Cai" having just been featured on the Spring Festival Gala, "Encounter" sold over 200 million genuine cassette tapes and nearly 30 CDs in just one week!

This data is even close to Lin Jianlu's "Nocturne" from last year!
The CD of "Encounter" sold exceptionally well, and it's said that people loved buying the CD simply because the box included a large poster of her—you see, who wouldn't be attracted to that!

Right there on the sofa in the study, the fairy sat on Lin Jianlu's lap, excitedly recounting all sorts of interesting things that had happened during her recent promotional trip. You could tell she was extremely excited.

Well, how should I put it?

Vivian Chow is probably a typical example of someone who is famous but whose songs are not. From the moment she debuted, her pure and lovely appearance almost instantly captivated almost everyone in all the regions she promoted. The term "Hong Kong Jade Girl" is no joke; she truly is a national sweetheart. Even in mainland China, there are still countless young men and women who are fans of her.

However, at the same time, her albums hardly ever sold any sales.

It was popular, and at best it sold over 100,000 copies. With sales from Taiwan and Southeast Asia combined, it sold 300,000 to 400,000 copies at one point, but that was about it. It had good songs, but it just wasn't popular enough for everyone to listen to it or buy it!
So in the Chinese music scene, her personal popularity is definitely top-tier, or even above top-tier, but when it comes to album sales, she's only second-tier!
Now, this fairy-like girl, who is almost retired from the music scene at the age of thirty, has suddenly experienced what it means to become an overnight sensation again—no wonder she's excited!

Lin Jianlu leaned back on the sofa, his arm loosely around her slender waist, listening to her excitedly talking and talking, a smile always on his face, and occasionally reaching out to stroke her cheek.

Hmm, how should I explain it?

Lin Jianlu not only enjoyed the thrill and freedom of conquering one beautiful young woman after another and the Bentley after another, but he also enjoyed the feeling of protection and security that he could give to the girls. At the same time, he even enjoyed the feeling of changing their original life trajectories and returning to the peak in his hands.

At this moment, sensing their happiness and then enjoying their admiration and worship, that feeling, to be honest, is even higher than the pleasure of simple sexual relations—as for how much royalty their success will bring me, how much money I can earn, that is even less important than that!
Compared to American internet stocks and real estate in Hong Kong and Shanghai, how much money is this?

…………

It wasn't until Wang Zuxian knocked on the door to announce that lunch was ready that Zhou Huimin got up from Lin Jianlu. Looking at Wang Zuxian who had entered the room, she felt a little embarrassed.

Judging from her expression, it seemed as if she had been caught cheating.

However, Wang Zuxian didn't seem to care. After giving her a heads-up, she was about to leave when Lin Jianlu called her back, "Have the kitchen get a bottle of champagne. Let's celebrate Vivian's birthday together today!"

Wang Zuxian nodded, "Okay!"

During lunch, Lin Jianlu suddenly realized that everyone was unusually present today.

The original inhabitants of this hillside villa include Brigitte Lin and Leung Wing-ki. Rosamund Kwan was exhausted last night and didn't get up until late morning, just in time for lunch. Wong Cho-yin also came, and Vivian Chow was there too.

All together.

Oh, we're still missing Gong Li, who's currently pregnant.

Well, even if I had called her, she might not have come.

Firstly, she inherently has a psychological barrier with the girls in Hong Kong. Although she has come to Hong Kong to take on film roles and has even lived there for several years, she is not like Wang Fei or Liu Jialing. She seems to have never tried to integrate into the local circle. Secondly, although she is well aware of the path she has chosen by being with Lin Jianlu and even getting pregnant with his child, she has her own pride and is unwilling to easily meet or spend time with Lin Jianlu's other women, let alone mention anything further.

So, it's all complete now.

The second time, unlike the last time when Lin Jianlu practically dragged her there, the women either didn't dare or couldn't bear to refuse him, but this time they were more self-aware.

It's probably because, since she left Hong Kong in early November to film in mainland China, and then returned this time, a full three months had passed, and everyone missed her terribly.

Otherwise, last night wouldn't have been so chaotic, making Lin Jianlu extremely surprised and busy for several hours straight. In the end, she even had a bit of a worry that "if I do this a few more times, will I die from exhaustion?"

With a "pop," the champagne was popped open, splashing everywhere.

Lin Jianlu personally poured the wine, then raised his glass first, "Come on! Let's all congratulate the new queen of pop, Vivian Chow! Wishing her album sells a thousand copies!"

Everyone laughed and raised their glasses, but only Vivian Chow seemed a little embarrassed, saying, "No way! How could we possibly sell ten million copies!"—but she was definitely the happiest.

With a clink, the cups all came together.

Compared to the last forced gathering, which was only to satisfy Lin Jianlu's personal desire to show off and his vanity as the "patriarch," and the awkwardness and politeness among everyone at that time, it's hard to say which aspect was more important this time. In any case, the atmosphere felt much more lively.

Leung Wing-ki enthusiastically discussed with Vivian Chow what their fans were like in different places. Brigitte Lin invited Vivian Chow to appear on an ATV program. Rosamund Kwan even asked with concern how much money Vivian Chow would earn if her new album sold 10 million copies. She was a failure in the music industry, relying on her stunning beauty and popularity, but her first album only sold less than 20,000 copies. She had long given up hope, but recently, seeing Leung Wing-ki and Vivian Chow become hugely popular in the music industry, the old lady suddenly had some thoughts about releasing an album again.

Lin Jianlu would never make it for her; she's really bad at singing!
There's also Maggie Cheung. Once, when they were playing mahjong, before Leung Wing-ki's new album was released and she had become a big star, Maggie Cheung asked, "Do you want to make an album for me?"

She said she's always wanted to be a singer!
Forget it, Lin Jianlu waved her hand after she sang a few lines.

Next time I need to make a music video, I'll just ask you to act in it. Let's stop torturing each other!
Zhang Manyu was greatly affected by this, and it has now become one of the most frequently told anecdotes among her acquaintances at the mahjong table.

A large bottle of champagne was quickly devoured, but Rosamund Kwan still wasn't satisfied and exclaimed, "Let's open another bottle!"

Brigitte Lin has been very career-oriented lately. She returned from the capital with Lin Jianlu and went to work at ATV this morning. It seems she wants to go again this afternoon, but she is a little hesitant. However, Leung Wing-ki and Vivian Chow responded very enthusiastically.

So Rosamund Kwan went to the underground wine cellar to choose wine herself, and soon came back with a large bottle of champagne and a bottle of red wine, laughing, "After we finish the champagne, we can each have half a glass of this to rinse our mouths."

Regardless of whether Lin Jianlu agreed or not, she opened it again with a bang, as if with practiced ease.

Ugh, that drunkard!

Let's drink then... We only focused on drinking during the meal, and ended up drinking until 2 a.m.

Leung Wing-ki and Chow Wai-man were both a little tipsy. Wong Cho-yin had the lowest alcohol tolerance and wasn't very enthusiastic about drinking at first, but later Rosamund Kwan started to force-feed her. After just one glass, her face turned red to her neck, and she became even more tipsy.

Lin Qingxia left for work, while Rosamund Kwan, seemingly unconcerned, asked Lin Jianlu, "Shall we continue drinking?"

Lin Jianlu glanced at the several dizzy, slumped beauties on the living room sofa, then leaned closer and whispered to Guan Zhilin, "Help me help them upstairs, I want to indulge in some debauchery..."

Rosamund Kwan was stunned for a moment, then suddenly burst into laughter.

"You're so inhuman, boss!"

…………

To be honest, Lin Jianlu was actually quite innocent in his past life, and he has remained so since the beginning of this life. He has always admired and longed to find someone he loves to marry and grow old together.

His downfall began when Brigitte Lin got drunk and her eyes were alluring; he couldn't resist.

Moreover, that night, as his first time experiencing the taste of sex in this world, left a very deep impression on him—you have to be half-drunk, not completely sober, but your body is so weak and powerless that it's incredibly pleasurable!

Therefore, the original plan was disrupted.

Lin Jianlu decided not to go with Gong Li in the afternoon. Since he hadn't given any advance notice, he could go tomorrow—he actually dragged Rosamund Kwan along, and the four women and he indulged in some debauchery.

Well, even after drinking, even though Wang Zuxian had participated last night, and even though Zhou Huimin had tried it in the capital before, it was obvious that the two of them were the least able to handle it, especially Zhou Huimin, who was completely red and covered her face almost the entire time, refusing to lift it up—yet neither of them said anything to object.

(End of this chapter)