Hong Kong Film Intelligence King

Chapter 199 The tree wants to stop but the wind won't.
Liang Kun explained to everyone:

"There's a reason why Director Wang is so nervous. The statistics department that Adao is in charge of is very accurate in predicting the box office of a film."

“Last month he said that Ah Jing’s ‘The Romancing Star’ would gross more than nine million in a month.”

"Just as he predicted!"

"Otherwise, why would Ah Jing, a well-known director in the industry, be so eager to get Ah Dao's approval?"

Chen Guozhong said incredulously:
"Ado, you actually have such an ability?"

Wang Dao shrugged:

"You should love what you do."

"Since I run a film company, I naturally need to know a little about movies."

Chen Guozhong nodded slowly.

He believed that.

He had Wang Dao infiltrate the triad, and now Wang Dao is Liang Kun's right-hand man and has become Hung Hing's White Paper Fan.

He is truly a model of loving what you do.

What's even more absurd is that even if he told the people now that Wang Dao was an undercover agent he sent out, no one would believe him.

Whenever he thought about this, Chen Guozhong felt a pang of regret.

If I had known this would happen, I would have kept Wang Dao by my side.

In this way, not only can Wang Dao become his successor in the police force, but he can also become his successor as a Seraphim.

It's a pity.

The chubby boy rubbed his hands together and asked:
"Brother Dao, how much do you think this movie will gross?"

Lin Lingxi's gaze was burning with passion.

Everyone else was staring at him.

They were actually quite curious.

Wang Dao glanced at everyone and smiled:
"Ah Jing, you are the first director in our company to have a box office of over ten million."

"Unfortunately, you don't have much time left to be proud."

The chubby boy was completely bewildered. What did this mean? He couldn't understand it at all.

Everyone in Hong Kong knew that it was a foregone conclusion that "The Romancing Star" would gross over ten million at the box office.

Her debut film grossed over ten million at the box office; her future looks promising.

The chubby boy gets fawning looks wherever he goes, which makes him a little arrogant!
At his age, he should indeed be feeling proud and arrogant.

But why did Wang Dao say that he didn't have much time left to be proud?

The Way of the King is slowly revealed:
"My prediction for 'The Romancing Star' is that it will eventually gross over 11 million."

The chubby boy's eyes were wide open, like saucers:

"what?"

"I thought it would barely break ten million."

Liang Kun and Wang Dao smiled without saying a word.

Without Qiankun Film Company's follow-up actions, that movie might have barely broken 1,000 views, or even had a high probability of failing to do so.

Wang Dao smiled and said:

"After the final screening in four days, the company will hold an ice-breaking ceremony for you... But I digress."

"I told you to seize the time to be proud because you really don't have much time left to be proud."

"The box office of this film, 'Shock: The Emperor's Disciple,' is not even considering the box office during its entire run, but just the 25 days of this month."

"I predict the box office will reach around 18 million!"

what? !

Everyone is stunned!
Liang Kun suddenly stood up:

"Ado, is this true?"

The chubby boy exclaimed happily:
"Senior brother, did you hear that? Brother Dao said your box office will reach 18 million!"

Lin Lingxi smiled wryly:

"How can this be?"

"If it reaches 18 million in 25 days, then the total box office must exceed 20 million, right?"

"Twenty million, that has a very high probability of becoming the highest-grossing film of the year."

The chubby boy exclaimed with ecstasy:

"Senior brother, congratulations! Dao Ge's words are law, you shouldn't doubt his professional competence."

Everyone looked at the chubby boy and nodded secretly.

This guy is really something else.

If Ringo Lam's film truly reaches 18 million in 25 days as Wang Dao predicted, and even becomes the annual box office champion, then he will undoubtedly become another great director at Qiankun Films.

This is the chubby boy's direct competitor.

Peers are enemies.

However, the chubby boy still cheered for Lin Lingxi's achievements, saying that the guy had a good character.

Lin Lingxi was deeply moved and quickly said:
“Ah Jing, this is just Wang Sheng’s prediction, not a fact.”

The chubby boy was startled. How dare you doubt Brother Dao's prediction? Senior Brother, do you want to work at Qiankun Film and Television Company?

Therefore, he quickly tried to remedy the situation:
“Hey, you saw how accurate Brother Dao’s predictions were last month.”

"If Brother Dao says the box office can reach 18 million, then it will definitely reach 18 million."

Handsome Kun laughed heartily:

"Director Lin, you're not suited for the workplace. How dare you question your boss's opinion like that? Be careful, or Adao will make things difficult for you."

Lin Lingxi froze, then realized he wanted to slap himself. Right, he had actually doubted his leader's judgment—wasn't that courting death?!

Wang Dao also laughed heartily, turning to the crowd and saying:
"Inspector Leung, Ah Yu, are you two ready to be big stars?"

Liang Zhenbang said strangely:
"Mr. Wang, I'm just making a cameo appearance..."

He couldn't speak anymore.

They initially agreed that I would have a cameo role, but judging from the finished product, I'm clearly one of the two main leads.

Even so, he didn't think he could become famous.

Wang Dao laughed and said:

"Inspector Leung, you're a professional at solving cases, but I'm a professional at making movies."

"We never do things where laymen lead experts."

You should trust my judgment.

Handsome Kun laughed:

"Ado, tell me your judgment."

Wang Dao laughed and said:

"Okay!"

"Firstly, the genre of our film is appealing."

Gu Shouzhong asked in bewilderment:

"Isn't the most popular type of comedy for families?"

Wang Dao gives a thumbs up:
"Uncle Zhong is a professional."

"That's right, comedy is always more appealing than other types of films, no matter what."

"However, our movie is really popular."

"There are four or five million people in Hong Kong, and about four million of them are gangsters."

"In other words, many people share common experiences, which resonates with them."

"That's one of them."

Everyone listened with great interest.

Wang Dao also said:

"Our cast is also incredibly strong."

“Leung Chun-pong, Inspector Leung, and Koo Siu-yuk.”

"These two are absolutely handsome men."

"No one can deny it, right?"

Everyone nodded in unison.

Leung Chun-pong is known as the Iron-Faced Tiger in Kowloon City. He is a true iron-blooded detective with an exceptionally outstanding image and temperament. He has a strong personal charm. Apart from having slightly lower emotional intelligence, he is practically perfect.

Gu Xiaoyu is the most intelligent and courageous of the three Gu brothers. His striking good looks, with his eagle-nosed face, are undeniable. His background adds to his contrasting charm.

Many people are drawn to these two lead actors simply because of their good looks.

"The content of our play is based on a true story, and the dramatic tension is self-evident."

Gu Guowu, always impatient, blurted out at this moment:

"I was really on the edge of my seat watching this movie. I really felt like the things that happened in it were things I had experienced myself."

Gu Guowen quickly gave him a push:
“If that really happens, I’ll go sell salted duck eggs right now, and you’ll be bedridden for the rest of your life.”

Gu Guowu decisively slapped himself.

Yeah, what nonsense are you talking about?

Wang Dao shrugged:

"Art originates from life but transcends it."

"With this treatment, the dramatic conflict will be more intense."

"If we don't go through this experience, how can we carry out our revenge?"

Everyone nodded in unison.

The protagonist's family, who belong to a gang, suffer a tragic fate: the father is forced to wander, the eldest brother is killed, the second brother is paralyzed in bed, and the male protagonist, as the third son, bravely fights the enemy, risking being restricted for life.

This is what makes a good movie.

Wang Dao laughed and said:

“Eight out of ten Hong Kong residents have had similar experiences or have heard of similar experiences.”

"This will resonate with them."

Everyone was silent.

It's true that almost everyone in Hong Kong has a triad background.

Liang Kun asked with great interest:
Are there any other factors?

Wang Dao smiled and said:
"Yes, this is a true story."

Everyone's expressions immediately turned strange. What utter nonsense about real events.

Long Fei and Ah Wo had long been sent by the police to sell salted duck eggs, and the Kowloon City branch of Tung Sing and Ah Wo's San Lian Hall had been completely divided up by the surrounding triads.

Wang Dao sighed, "Why are you all so honest?"

"The matter between Long Fei and A He caused quite a stir last month. We were just using their name to our advantage."

Everyone loves gossip, especially about the privacy of these kinds of groups, which everyone is eager to pry into.

Now that such things are being brought to the big screen, it's even more satisfying to openly probe into someone's privacy.

Besides, Lung Fei and Ah Wo were drug dealers after all, and such people had a bad reputation in Hong Kong. Everyone wanted to know how they were brought down.

Spending eighteen yuan not only kills time but also satisfies one's gossipy nature—why not do something so good? Wang Dao reminded him:
"I'm not making this prediction randomly. Based on my analysis, both of you will become very popular very soon."

"Be careful when you go out."

Leung Chun-pong shrugged:

"I don't care."

He was a police officer, and even more so, a stern-faced tiger. Since he dealt with ordinary citizens, he really didn't care.

Gu Xiaoyu also smiled and said:

"I don't care. Anyway, the eldest and second eldest brothers in the gang are doing the work, so I can slack off."

"Let's take advantage of this time and go on our honeymoon together with Jenny."

Wang Dao laughed heartily:

"Then you'd better hurry up, or you'll be surrounded by stares whenever you go out."

Gu Xiaoyu nodded:

"Being a celebrity is pretty good too."

In his understanding, being an actor is at least a respectable profession, and being a movie star is better than fighting and killing.

Gu Shouzhong shook his head:

"...You don't have much time left."

Gu Xiaoyu looked at Gu Shouzhong suspiciously:
"Dad, what do you mean?"

Ancient Wu Kuai said in a quick and straightforward manner:

“I’ve discussed it with my older brother, and you will take over Dad’s business.”

Gu Xiaoyu is numb:

"There is an order of seniority. My two older brothers are both alive and well, so how could I be the one to come?"

Chen Guozhong and Liang Zhenbang had already looked over.

The dragon head of Hong'an is actually going to be passed on to Gu Xiaoyu?!

They were genuinely curious about what Gu Shouzhong was thinking.

Handsome Kun clapped his hands and said:

"Alright everyone, the movie's over. Let's all go home now."

Chen Guozhong laughed and scolded:

"Ah Kun, you're the boss of a big company, how can you be so stingy?"

Handsome Kun sighed:

"I'm such a busy boss, I had to cancel a charity gala to get this movie screening going."

"I will apologize to everyone another day."

Chen Guozhong was utterly speechless:
"Do we need your apology?"

"Alright, we're leaving now."

"Uncle Sen, Abang, let's go."

After Chen Guozhong and the others left, Liang Kun looked at Hong An and his son with a helpless expression:
"Uncle Zhong, no matter how good our relationship is, we still need to be mindful of the distinction between insiders and outsiders."

He wasn't referring to the relationship between Hung Hing and Hung On, but rather the relationship between the police station and the triad.

Chen Guozhong and his two companions were at least police officers, while the rest were all triad members. For the Gu family father and son to talk about triad matters in front of the police officers was truly audacious.

Gu Guowu said awkwardly:

"Brother Kun, this isn't exactly a secret; it'll be reported to the underworld anyway..."

Lam Kwan nodded:
“I know, but you must understand that they are always soldiers, and naturally stand on the opposite side of us.”

"Even if we have a very good personal relationship, there are some things that still need to be kept within certain boundaries."

"This is good for both sides."

Gu Shouzhong nodded repeatedly:
"Ah Kun is right!"

Gu Guowen and the other two naturally had no objections. None of them were children, and they all knew the importance of this matter.

Gu Shouzhong asked:
"Ah Kun, do you need our help with Jiang Sheng's matter?"

Liang Kun asked:

"Uncle Chung, you know that Chiang Sheng has succeeded as the third leader of Hung Hing, right?"

Gu Shouzhong nodded:

"Sixth Uncle has already informed us, but hasn't congratulated you, Ah Kun, on becoming the Grand Marshal yet."

Lam Kwan waved his hand:
"That's nothing, not worth mentioning."

Gu Guowu said enviously:

"Brother Kun, that's Marshal Dalu."

The position of Grand Marshal, like that of Second Marshal, is an honorary title, but it is actually equivalent to the position of a leader in many organizations.

In this world, reputation matters.

When two people in the martial arts world have a discussion, they compare whose position is higher.

Marshal Dalu is capable of instantly killing anyone except a sect leader.

Even Gu Shouzhong, the leader of Hong'an, would not speak to Liang Kun in a condescending tone, but would treat him as an equal.

Gu Guowu was a pure江湖 (jianghu) figure, so naturally he was extremely envious!
Gu Shouzhong shook his head, speechless.
"Awu, we have important business to discuss, don't talk about irrelevant things."

Handsome Kun smiled:
"Everyone, please come with me to the office."

Most people's offices are very small. Hong Kong is a place where every inch of land is precious. Some people's offices are the size of subdivided flats. But Liang Kun's office is different. It is a full 40 square meters.

Gu Shouzhong asked:
"Ah Kun, what does Mr. Jiang mean?"

Handsome Kun took out a cigar and offered it to everyone, then said bluntly:
"Jiang Sheng probably won't fight Dongxing head-on. I've contacted Aben, and Dongxing has no such intention."

Gu Guowu said impatiently:

"Jiang Sheng was assassinated by Chen Haonan, and we're not going to investigate that?"

Liang Kun looked at Gu Guowu suspiciously:
"Ah Wu, how do you know that Chiang Sang was assassinated by Chan Ho-nam?"

Gu Guowu asked blankly:

"Isn't it?"

"I heard it from He Xingsheng's old man with white hair."

Liang Kun and Wang Dao exchanged a glance; yet another source of information!

Gu Guowu asked in bewilderment:

"Is Mr. Jiang really not going to pursue this matter?"

Handsome Kun countered:
"Then how should we investigate this?"

Gu Guowu was taken aback.

Handsome Kun bluntly said:
“Siu B broke the gang’s rules and was dealt with by Mr. Chiang himself.”

"You all know how serious this matter is."

Ancient Kingdom Warriors said, "It is only natural."
"Only Mr. Jiang can handle Xi B. It is said that he is Mr. Jiang's confidant."

"It's not good for outsiders to do it."

Handsome Kun smiled:
“Ah Wu is right, Xi B is Jiang Tiansheng’s confidant, this is not just a rumor.”

"Only he has the right to deal with Little B; no one else does."

It's not that Sai B was particularly powerful in Hung Hing, but rather Sai B's identity.

Even when beating a dog, you should consider its owner.

If Jiang Tiansheng doesn't handle it, who else will?
I don't understand Jiang Tiansheng's thinking. Isn't he afraid that Jiang Tiansheng will make things difficult for him?
They're not like Leung Kwan; once they're targeted by Chiang Tin-sang, there's only one outcome: they're finished!
Handsome Kun sighed:

"Handsome Nam is also a trusted subordinate of Little B. Their relationship is more like that of father and son."

“It’s normal to avenge Little B.”

Gu Guowen frowned and said:

"That shouldn't be the case. Little B broke the family rules, and it was enforced by Mr. Chiang himself. Didn't Chan Ho-nam know?"

Liang Kun casually said:
"Chan Ho-nam was present at the time."

Gu Guowen didn't understand it either:

"Then why would he do such a thing?"

Gu Shouzhong suddenly started coughing.

The three sons of the Gu family quickly surrounded Gu Shouzhong:

"Dad, are you alright?"

What happened to Gu Shouzhong?

He was just looking for an excuse to reprimand someone.

"There are some things you shouldn't pry into too much detail."

The three sons of the Gu family were all bewildered. What was this?

Handsome Kun laughed:

"Uncle Zhong, it's alright."

“We’re not outsiders, it’s good that Awen and the others know the inside story.”

“As you all know, Siu B is Chiang Tin-sang’s confidant, and almost everything he does is at Chiang Tin-sang’s behest.”

"You all know that Hung Hing was targeted by the police recently. Let me tell you the truth, this was actually done by Siu B at the behest of Chiang Tin-sang."

"Of course, Little B was also killed by Jiang Tiansheng because of this incident."

Gu Guowu blurted out:

“Xi B took the blame for Jiang Tiansheng.”

Gu Xiaoyu quickly pulled her second brother back.

Gu Shouzhong looked at Gu Guowu with murderous intent. Did this guy have no brains?

He looked at Liang Kun with concern:

"Ah Kun, don't be angry. Ah Wu is just a brainless person."

Liang Kun shrugs:

"Let me tell you something else. What you don't know is that Little B is doing things under Jiang Tiansheng's instigation, and he's not targeting anyone else but me!"

“I’m so happy that Little B is dead.”

"I have nothing to be sad about Jiang Tiansheng's death."

The Gu family father and son were both numb.

Handsome Kun smiled:
"But we should keep this to ourselves and not tell anyone else."

Gu Shouzhong quickly said:

"Don't worry, Ah Kun, we won't say anything."

Handsome Kun nodded with a smile:

"Alright, let's leave it at that. It's getting late, Uncle Zhong, I won't keep you any longer."

The Gu family father and son bid farewell to Liang Kun and returned to their car. Gu Guowu couldn't wait to say:
"Wasn't Little B's death a bit too tragic? He did dirty work for Chiang Tin-sang and was still killed by him. No wonder Chan Ho-nam wanted revenge on Chiang Tin-sang."

"If it were me, I would also seek revenge!"

Gu Shouzhong finally couldn't take it anymore:
"A-Wu, shut up! Don't go around telling people this kind of thing, it could kill you!"

(End of this chapter)