Hong Kong variety show: The mastermind behind the scenes is emerging.

1981, April 12.

With New Year's Day approaching, the wind on Hong Kong Island carries a damp chill.

Kowloon, Broadcast Drive.

This circular street, no more than one kilometer long, is built along the mountainside, with undulating terrain. To ordinary taxi drivers, it is just a hillside prone to traffic jams; but in the hearts of the citizens of Hong Kong Island, it is a sacred place called "Wutaishan".

The reason is simple: this tiny place is home to the city's mouthpieces and eyes—Radio Hong Kong Island, Commercial Radio, TVB, RTV, and CTV.

Countless stars were born here, countless family feuds were scripted here, and countless lies and truths were broadcast through radio waves to every corner of Victoria Harbour. Every brick and stone here seems to be imbued with the scent of film and the aroma of the world of fame and fortune.

As darkness fell, the streetlights along Broadcast Drive lit up one by one.

However, compared to the bustling and brightly lit prosperity of the neighboring TVB station, the RTV headquarters at 81 Broadcast Drive appears somewhat desolate and bleak at this moment.

As dusk settled, the winter wind whipped fallen leaves against the slightly weathered exterior walls. Most employees had already left work, and the dim lighting in the corridor conveyed a sense of decline and decay.

In the general manager's office, Huang Xizhao stood by the window, gazing at the bustling night view outside, a view that held no relevance to him, and sighed deeply. As the first Chinese general manager of RTV (Rediffusion Television), Huang Xizhao was not without ability. On the contrary, he was exceptionally talented and insightful, but "even a skilled cook cannot make a meal without rice."

No matter how hard he tried, he was always held back by his parent company, Rediffusion, which was based in England and only knew how to leech off him. There was no budget, no equipment upgrades, and they even skimped on employee salaries.

"When will this ever end...?"

Huang Xizhao rubbed her throbbing temples, turned around, picked up her trench coat from the hanger, and prepared to leave work.

"Knock, knock, knock."

A series of rapid, rhythmic knocks sounded on the door.

"Come in." Huang Xizhao frowned. Who else would come at this hour?

The secretary entered, carrying a black velvet document bag, her eyes filled with curiosity: "General Manager, someone just delivered an invitation and a document, specifically requesting that they be delivered to you personally."

"For me?"

Huang Xizhao raised an eyebrow upon hearing this. Who would give him something at this time?

He took the envelope; it felt heavy in his hand, the paper of excellent quality, and a gold-stamped logo—an artistic font composed of "G" and "H," exuding an understated luxury.

Upon opening the envelope, I found a black and gold invitation.

The handwriting is vigorous and powerful, and the meaning is concise and to the point:

[We cordially invite Mr. Huang Xizhao to meet at the "Hai Yat Heen" in Tseung Kwan O tonight at 7 PM. — Lu Chen.]

"Lu Chen?"

This name is now a household name in Hong Kong's business world—the behind-the-scenes boss of Golden Harvest Security, the founder of the top luxury brand Garreau, and, as rumored, the financial genius who, in the recent thrilling "Kowloon Wharf takeover battle," amassed billions of dollars in cash from shipping magnates and Jardine Matheson through precise high-frequency trading. He has been hailed by the media as a "new generation business leader in Hong Kong."

"What does he want from me?"

However, Huang Xizhao was still completely confused. After all, he had no dealings with this newly minted tycoon. Did he want to give Garreau a break? But if he wanted to give Garreau a break, he should have gone to TVB. With RTV's ratings, they might not even care.

With doubts in mind, Huang Xizhao opened the file bag sealed with wax.

"hiss--"

After glancing at the document's title, Huang Xizhao froze on the spot, as if struck by lightning.

Equity Transfer Agreement Regarding Rediffusion (Hong Kong Island) Limited

His hands trembled as he quickly flipped through the documents. Every clause, every number, felt like a heavy hammer blow to his heart.

Rediffusion holds a 61% stake... HSBC holds a 20% stake...

All for sale!

Transferee: Jiahe International Group, Legal Representative: Lu Chen.

At the end of the document, the bright red official seal and the handwritten signature of the chairman of John's parent company stood out starkly.

"Damn it! These greedy foreigners!" The usually refined Huang Xizhao couldn't help but curse, slamming the documents hard on the table.

Outrage! Unparalleled rage!

Such a massive personnel change, even a change of dynasty, and he, as the general manager of the television station, was the last to know! Those John's people, in order to cash out and leave, didn't even say goodbye, selling him and the entire television station like pigs!

"Mr. Huang... are you alright?" The secretary was startled by his reaction.

"It's okay... I'm fine."

Huang Xizhao took a few deep breaths, forcing herself to calm down.

At this point, anger won't solve anything. What's done is done; the shareholding change is complete, and that young tycoon named Lu Chen is now the nominal owner of this building, and of Huang Xizhao himself.

He glanced at the clock on the wall. Six-thirty.

There was still half an hour until the time stated on the invitation.

"Prepare the car."

Huang Xizhao straightened his collar, a resolute glint in his eyes, "I'm going to meet this new boss."

What is meant to be will be; what is meant to be will be.

……

7 PM, Tseung Kwan O.

Haiyixuan is an extremely private club, nestled against the mountains and facing the sea, with a tranquil environment.

Guided by the waiter, Huang Xizhao walked through the winding corridors and arrived at the door of a private room on the top floor.

Stand still.

Huang Xizhao took a deep breath, tidied her hair which was a little messy from the wind, and then looked down at her leather shoes to see if they were shiny.

This was not just a meeting, but an "interview" that would determine the fate of his career.

As a veteran official of the previous dynasty, he was in the most awkward position with the new emperor's ascension to the throne. If he couldn't satisfy this new boss, he could pack his bags and leave right now, without even waiting until tomorrow morning.

"Knock, knock."

He knocked on the door.

"Please come in."

A young, gentle voice, yet one that carried an undeniable air of authority, came from inside the door.

Huang Xizhao pushed open the door and entered.

The private room was large and decorated in an antique style, and a young man sat in the main seat.

He was wearing a black turtleneck sweater with a suit jacket casually draped over his shoulders, and was fiddling with the tea set in front of him. Hearing the door open, the young man looked up, revealing an excessively handsome face with a faint smile on his lips.

too young.

This was Huang Xizhao's first reaction.

Although he had seen photos of her in newspapers and heard countless rumors, Huang Xizhao still felt a moment of disorientation when he actually met her face to face.

This young man, who looks to be no more than twenty years old, is the founder of Golden Harvest, who has stirred up the Hong Kong scene and has a net worth of hundreds of millions?

"Mr. Huang, I've long admired your name."

"Mr. Lu... Hello."

Huang Xizhao quickly reached out and grasped Lu Chen's hands tightly, adopting a very humble posture, "I'm so sorry to have kept you waiting."

Lu Chen's hands were dry and strong, and the timing of his handshake was just right, neither too distant nor too enthusiastic.

"This is this year's pre-Qingming Longjing tea, please have a taste."

"Thank you... thank you, Mr. Lu."

Huang Xizhao picked up his teacup, took a small sip, but couldn't taste anything at all, since his mind was completely focused on the document.

After several rounds of tea and a few perfunctory pleasantries, Lu Chen put down his teacup, his gaze sharpening.

"I believe Mr. Huang has already reviewed the document and confirmed it with the people in John's country, right?"

Huang Xizhao put down his teacup, sat up straight, and nodded: "Yes, I called the headquarters in Wudu before I came to confirm that the equity transfer is genuine and valid."

At this point, a bitter smile appeared on his lips: "Congratulations, Mr. Lu, from today onwards, you are the owner of RTV."

Lu Chen nodded slightly, showing no smugness at the compliment. His eyes, which seemed to see right through people, remained fixed on Huang Xizhao.

"Mr. Huang, I'm a businessman. I bought this TV station not for charity, but rest assured, I didn't buy the land to build anything either. What I value is its potential, and..."

Lu Chen pointed to Huang Xizhao, "and talents like President Huang."

These words eased Huang Xizhao's anxiety somewhat. It seemed that the new and old owners had no intention of purging the management team and genuinely wanted to continue operating the TV tower.

"Mr. Lu, you flatter me."

Huang Xizhao sighed, his tone filled with dejection, "If I were truly talented, ATV wouldn't have fallen to this state, being suffocated by TVB. I am a defeated general."

This was a candid self-analysis, and also a strategic retreat to test whether Lu Chen truly appreciated his talent. After all, Huang Xizhao was well aware of his situation; once he left RTV, he would never find such a good platform again. The general manager of CTV was also a formidable figure, and there was no place for him there. TVB was out of the question, since he had defected from TVB years ago, and although Run Run Shaw appeared kind and benevolent, he would never tolerate a traitor returning to a high position.

If Lu Chen doesn't use him, he'll have no choice but to retire or leave the television industry he loves.

"A defeated general may not necessarily lack courage."

Lu Chen shook his head and said calmly, "President Huang, let's be frank. You've been in charge of Lidi for several years now. In your opinion, why has Lidi become this half-dead entity?"

This is a test question.

Huang Xizhao took a deep breath; he knew he had to give an answer that would satisfy both the new and old bosses.

"There are many reasons, such as a late start, consistently low viewership, and insufficient talent pool... but ultimately it boils down to two words—lack of money!"

Huang Xizhao started talking, and the resentment that had been building up for years exploded at this moment.

"TV broadcasting is a money-burning industry. Good scripts cost money, good actors cost money, and good equipment costs even more. But that damn parent company treats us like an ATM! Most of our annual profits are siphoned off, and we're even burdened with huge debts. We want to make big productions, but we don't have the money; we want to poach top talents from TVB, but we don't have the money; we even have to submit a three-month application for maintenance fees for the transmission towers!"

"It's a vicious cycle," Huang Xizhao said, spreading his hands, his tone heavy. "No money, no good shows; no good shows, no ratings; no ratings, advertisers won't invest, and then we have even less money... We're dancing in shackles, boss!"

In the end, this television veteran, nearing fifty, slumped onto the sofa like a deflated balloon, his frustration stemming from unfulfilled ambitions.

Lu Chen listened quietly without interrupting.

Only after Huang Xizhao finished speaking did Lu Chen pick up the teapot and personally refill his cup of tea.

"Well said."

Lu Chen's voice was calm, yet it was like a shot of adrenaline. "Even a skilled cook can't cook without rice, Mr. Huang. I understand your difficulties. I'm not like those John's people. I bought the TV station not to leech off others, nor was it just a hobby."

Lu Chen stood up, walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, and looked at the lights of Victoria Harbour in the distance.

"I want to build a media empire, and this television station will be my headquarters."

He turned around and held up two fingers.

"Mr. Huang, I'll give you two promises."

"First, inject capital."

"Tomorrow, the finance department will inject HK$100 million into the TV station's account as working capital. This money will be used entirely to purchase equipment, improve employee benefits, and produce new dramas. If that's not enough, just ask me for more."

"One...one hundred million?!"

Huang Xizhao suddenly stood up, her voice trembling.

In this day and age, 100 million is enough to produce ten top-tier dramas! Enough to poach all of TVB's leading men!

"Secondly, there will be no changes to the personnel for the time being," Lu Chen continued. "Except for the fact that I will send someone to take over the finances and I will arrange for people from Jiahe Security to be stationed in the security department, you will still be fully responsible for the personnel, production, and operations of the TV station."

"I don't interfere with what you film; I only care about the ratings. As long as you can beat TVB, I'll pluck any star you want."

Huang Xizhao felt a surge of heat rush to the top of his head.

They have money! They have power! They have trust!

This is exactly the kind of boss he's been dreaming of!

"Boss! Don't worry!" Huang Xizhao was so excited his face turned red. He patted his chest and guaranteed, "With this 100 million, I'm confident I can halve TVB's ratings within six months! I'll make that old miser Uncle Shao sleepless!"

"Very good, that's the kind of momentum I wanted." Lu Chen smiled and took out a document that he had prepared beforehand from his pocket.

"Also, there's one last thing," Lu Chen handed the document to Huang Xizhao, "'Rediffusion' is too petty and has a musty smell of a former Soviet colony. Starting tomorrow, the TV station will be renamed."

Huang Xizhao took the document and looked at the brand-new logo and name on it, a look of shock flashing in his eyes.

It was a golden globe pattern with three imposing characters in the center.

"From now on, our name will be Asia Television (ATV)."

Lu Chen walked over to Huang Xizhao, patted him on the shoulder, and looked out at the night sky.

"Our goal isn't just Hong Kong Island. I want ATV to resonate throughout all of Asia."

A winter night in 1981.

In this unassuming private room, the era of RTV came to an end, and a media behemoth called "ATV" officially set sail.