Pirates began to dominate the Chinese entertainment industry.

Chapter 89 Top Models of Hong Kong Island (Day 2 of 10,000 words, please subscribe)

Sunlight streamed through the gaps in the clouds, casting patches of light on the tea table.

The air conditioner emitted a low hum.

Ji Yun picked up the teapot and poured tea for the two of them. Seeing that they were silent, he was not in a hurry and leisurely sipped the tea.

Zou Wenhuai looked at Li Ying and suddenly asked, "This time even Goldman Sachs is willing to step in. Why?"

""

Li Ying put down her teacup and smiled slightly: "Our criteria for spending money are very simple: either you have resources or you have brains."

As a small-time pirate boss, he naturally didn't have many resources.

But he's smart and shrewd. If his previous investment in Freddie Mac was accidental, this time the competition in the box office market proves he's even better than I thought.

Li Ying's gaze fell on Zou Wenhuai, and she said with a smile, "We investors don't need to know everything, we just need to understand people."

She leaned back in her chair, then changed the subject: "Moreover, Golden Harvest needs money, new minds, and distribution channels in mainland China. He can provide all of that."

She spoke very softly, but every word hit the table like a nail.

Li Ying picked up the teacup and took a sip.

She was wearing a gray suit dress today, with her coat draped over the back of the chair. The sleeves of her shirt were rolled up twice, revealing a section of her wrist that was dazzlingly white.

Zou Wenhuai lowered his eyes in thought, and after a long time, he looked at Ji Yun, but suddenly smiled: "Young man, Jiahe is yours."

There was a hint of barely perceptible admiration in his eyes: "But let me warn you, the waters of the Hong Kong entertainment circle are much deeper than your movie 'Lost in Thailand'."

People here are very xenophobic. They won't bow down to a nobody from the north just because you made a blockbuster movie in mainland China. You have to prove yourself.

Ji Yun smiled, nodded, and asked, "Does Mr. Zou have any suggestions?"

Zou Wenhuai stood up and patted non-existent dust off his clothes: "Tomorrow night, this old man will see you off on your final journey. It's time for all 700 million people in Hong Kong to know that Golden Harvest has a second-generation leader."

After Zou Wenhuai personally gave his approval, things proceeded smoothly.

With Li Ying's strong push, Goldman Sachs finally approved the loan plan.

Using the box office revenue from "Lost in Thailand," Ji Yun obtained 6000 million yuan in initial funding from Shanghai Bank and entrusted Goldman Sachs' investment department to quietly begin acquiring shares of Jiahe Group.

He remained behind the scenes, allowing another group to begin negotiations with Orange Sky, the Zou Wenhuai family, and others.

They are just waiting for a full takeover to follow.

8 p.m., Peninsula Hotel banquet hall.

The crystal chandelier illuminated the entire hall as brightly as day.

In the hotel corridor.

Ji Yun took the lead, with Li Ying close behind.

-

Zhao Liying changed into a black evening gown and wore light makeup tonight, which brought out a touch of feminine charm in her youthful appearance.

Perhaps it was the environment, but as she watched Ji Yun's spirited figure disappear into the distance, her heart pounded.

The moment Ji Yun and his two companions entered the room, countless gazes swept over them, like an invisible wall.

There was a moment of silence in the crowd, but soon whispers spread like a tide.

"So you're just being dramatic?"

"Mainland boy, eighteen years old."

"They said they made 200 million from a movie."

"Two hundred million people? How can you compare to me?"

Li Ying lowered her head and whispered in his ear, "Tonight, Old Master Zou personally sent out invitations and invited half of the Hong Kong entertainment industry."

Given your success with "Lost in Thailand," some people might want to get to know you.

"Does this mean you want to get to know me, or are you trying to intimidate me?"

Li Ying smiled: "Both. In their eyes, you might just be a lucky newcomer."

"

Zhao Liying was so nervous that she kept swallowing, and even her stomach started growling.

She had no experience with this kind of scene and instinctively wondered if her boss would be fighting a group of people all by himself today. If a fight broke out, where could she find a suitable weapon?

Li Ying was amused by Zhao Liying's appearance and waved to her, "Come on, let's go get something to eat. Leave things here to your boss."

She paused, then moved closer to Ji Yun, her warm breath brushing against Ji Yun's ear: "Here... it's okay to play around, but be careful. Don't make my investment go down the drain."

The tone was three parts threat and seven parts ambiguity.

Ji Yun's gaze slid down from her eyes, along the bridge of her nose and lips, finally settling on her turning and walking away.

Her slender waist swayed gracefully, neither too fast nor too slow, yet it was more dazzling than the chandelier of the Peninsula Hotel.

Zou Wenhuai, leaning on his cane, stood in the center of the crowd.

He waved to Ji Yun as she entered.

Zou Wenhuai gazed at the spirited young Ji Yun before him and smiled with satisfaction.

He then introduced Ji Yun to several senior executives of Jiahe Group who were standing around him.

After finishing everything, he looked at the banquet hall and suddenly said listlessly, "Now that you're here, I should go too."

""

After speaking, in front of all the guests, he gently patted Ji Yun on the shoulder, picked up a glass of new wine, and handed it to Ji Yun.

This action made many people sigh.

Zou Wenhuai smiled and walked out with difficulty. Without anyone's help or accompaniment, he walked alone, leaning on his cane, and disappeared step by step into the bustling and magnificent hall.

Ji Yun held her wine glass, gazing at his retreating figure for a long time, lost in thought...

At this moment, a figure walked up to Ji Yun's side.

The man was in his forties, with his hair slicked back and shiny. He was chubby and had a smile that made him look like a Maitreya Buddha.

"Mr. Ji! I've heard so much about you!"

Fatty Wang stretched out his hands, as enthusiastically as if he were seeing a long-lost nephew, "A two-hundred-million-dollar director has graced Hong Kong with his presence! I'm so sorry for not welcoming you sooner!"

'

After exchanging a few polite words, he took the initiative to say, "Come, come, let me introduce you to some senior figures in the industry."

After he finished speaking, he waved to the crowd not far away.

Several men in suits gathered from different directions.

"This is Miss Fang from Shaw Brothers."

An elderly woman with gray hair and a commanding presence nodded slightly.

"Mr. Jiang, he produced Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon."

"This is Mr. Xiang." A middle-aged man with cold, stern features and an imposing presence.

Ji Yun greeted them one by one.

The boss then introduced, "Mr. Chen Ziqiang, former head of Golden Harvest's production department."

This was once one of the most powerful agents in the Hong Kong film industry. Jackie Chan, Maggie Cheung, and Suet-Yoo Cheung were all his artists.

"I've heard so much about you." Ji Yun extended her hand.

Mr. Chen shook his hand twice, his smile meaningful: "Mr. Ji, you seem quite interested in Golden Harvest? I've heard you're very good at making comedies, but Hong Kong comedies require speaking the local dialect, do you know that?"

These words sounded nice, but Ji Yun sensed a barb in them:

You're just a kid from the mainland, do you even understand Hong Kong style? Don't ruin our classic brand from back then.

Ji Yun smiled and retorted, "Mr. Chen, I've heard about your achievements to some extent."

But if I may offend you, it is precisely this kind of closed-minded thinking of yours that hastened the decline of Jiahe.

The mainland film market has already climbed from 4 billion yuan in box office revenue to nearly 10 billion yuan. At this point, still talking about "local" films—are they trying to trap Golden Harvest on this small island?

After he finished speaking, the expressions of everyone present changed drastically.

Chen Zi's smile froze completely. He stood there, holding his wine glass, stunned, as if someone had doused him with a bucket of cold water.

All eyes turned to them.

An ordinary, newly established director might have been overwhelmed and at a loss by this atmosphere.

But Ji Yun acted as if she were in her own living room, calmly exchanging glances and raising her glass to each of them in a perfunctory manner.

Now he's the boss.

"Everyone, I'm not here to challenge you."

Ji Yun smiled, raised his glass, and looked around. "The future of Jiahe needs everyone's strong support."

Theaters need renovation, old films need restoration, new films need to be produced... all of this costs money, and it's all business.

The cooperation between the two regions isn't about one side devouring the other, but about working together to expand the market. During the financial crisis, everyone is struggling. But it's precisely in times like these that whoever acts first can capture the largest share of the market at the lowest cost.

"Mr. Ji, you have excellent eloquence!"

Fatty Wang was the first to come to his senses, realizing that the young man in front of him was not someone to be trifled with, and he smiled and gave Ji Yun a thumbs up.

Then, quickly changing the subject, he waved to someone not far away: "Miss Huo, come and meet Director Ji!"

'

A woman walked out of the crowd.

She was probably in her early thirties, wearing a well-tailored black suit, with long hair flowing over her shoulders, and delicate, capable features.

A professional smile played on her lips, but her eyes were as sharp as blades.

Huo Wenxi.

He started as an actor, but he is a well-known "star-making machine" in the Hong Kong entertainment industry.

She has mentored a large number of Hong Kong celebrities... and is currently the most famous and top female agent in the Hong Kong entertainment circle.

When people in the industry mention her, their first reaction is "sophisticated and charming".

Huo Wenxi walked up to Ji Yun, nodded slightly to him, and generously extended her right hand: "Hello Director Ji, my name is Huo Wenxi, Mani. We had a test screening of your film 'Lost in Thailand' at our company, and my colleagues were all laughing."

Her Mandarin wasn't fluent, but her pronunciation was clear, and her tone was neither humble nor arrogant.

Ji Yun took the hand, held it for two seconds, and then let go.

She has a warm touch and thin calluses on her fingertips; she's not a pampered heiress, but a capable worker.

The sensation was subtle, a tingling, electric current shooting up from their fingertips, and both of them simultaneously pulled their hands back.

Huo Wenxi looked down at her fingertips, then at him, her gaze re-examining the man.

Fatty Wang returned to him and lowered his voice: "Director Ji, I greatly admire your style in the 'Lost in Thailand' movie."

Ji Yun chuckled but didn't reply.

It seems that in their eyes, it's much better to let this young man from the mainland take the lead than for Orange Sky to continue to grow bigger.

Huo Wenxi smiled and said to Ji Yun, "Director Ji, our boss said he would treat you well. Let me show you around."

Ji Yun said, "Sister Mani, I heard that all the artists under your management are afraid of you?"

"Scared?" Huo Wenxi blinked. "No, I don't eat people."

"So, do they eat people from mainland China?"

Huo Wenxi was taken aback, then smiled gently.

This smile was completely different from her previous professional fake smile; her eyebrows and eyes relaxed, and her whole being seemed to be illuminated.

"That depends on whether you, a mainlander, find it delicious or not."

She realized her words were ambiguous after she finished speaking, so she coughed lightly and turned her face away.

The gesture was three parts concealment and seven parts allure.

Led by Huo Wenxi, they entered a private room, which was brightly lit and more luxuriously decorated than the main hall.

The two rows of sofas were full of people, all of whom were Hong Kong celebrities and executives.

Huo Wenxi introduced Ji Yun to each person one by one, her tone as practiced as a news anchor.

"This is Tingfeng."

A young man with striking features stood up, bowed slightly, and shook hands with a firm grip.

"Zu'er".

"Twins."

Charlene Choi (Ah Sa) and Gillian Chung (Ah Jiao) sat in the corner, with Ah Jiao keeping her head down and not daring to look at anyone.

Ji Yun knew that she was at the lowest point in her career because of what happened at the beginning of the year.

He didn't say much, just nodded, as he would with anyone else.

"Please take good care of me, Director Ji," Ah Sa said with a smile, her baby face giving her a mischievous look.

It seems she's still secretly married...

Ji Yun smiled politely.

As glass after glass of wine came, Huo Wenxi stood by Ji Yun's side, shielding him from the drinks.

She lowered her voice and said to Ji Yun, "You can't get drunk now."

Ji Yun glanced down at her wine glass: "Mani, do you have plans tonight?"

"Of course not, I haven't taken a vacation in three years," Huo Wenxi sighed.

Ji Yun tilted her head and looked at her, "You manage so many artists all by yourself, do you work 24 hours a day?"

Huo Wenxi's smile faded slightly: "More or less."

"How is Yinghuang treating you?"

Huo Wenxi gave him a wary look: "Director Ji is trying to poach someone?"

"It's not about poaching, it's just a friendly consultation." Ji Yun raised her glass and swirled it. "If you ever want to change jobs, I'm looking for a head of an artist management department."

Huo Wenxi was somewhat surprised by Ji Yun's frankness and said with a smile, "You certainly dare to speak up."

"I wouldn't dare," Ji Yun laughed. "I'm the most honest person I know."

Huo Wenxi stared at him for three seconds, then suddenly lowered her voice and whispered in his ear, "After we finish drinking, let's go to the next round."

As she spoke, the warm breath brushed against his earlobe, like someone gently tickling his chin with a feather.

The door to the private room slammed shut.

The noise from the Peninsula Hotel's banquet hall was kept out by the heavy doors of the private rooms.

When Huo Wenxi entered, she was followed by two girls and a woman.

"Zhou Yougen." Huo Wenxi pointed to a well-maintained woman wearing glasses next to her.

Ji Yun narrowed her eyes. She was the owner of the modeling agency Fashion International and the godmother of Hong Kong fashion circles.

Lynn Hung, Chen Bige, He Sui, and later Angelababy, who swept the Chinese entertainment industry, were all cultivated by her.

And the two girls behind her—

The woman on the left is wearing a white halter-neck mini dress, with long curly hair draped over her shoulders. She has delicate, mixed-race features, and her skin is so white it's almost translucent. When she smiles, she reveals a row of perfectly aligned pearly teeth.

The woman on the right wore a mint green dress, and her features leaned more towards those of a classical beauty, with a hint of shyness in her eyes.

Yang Ying and Wen Yongshan.

In Hong Kong in 2008, the concept of "young models" was just emerging, and they were the two most sought-after names in the industry. However, they still had a long way to go before truly entering the mainstream of the entertainment circle.

"Wow! Mani, why didn't you say Director Ji is so handsome?" Zhou Yougen exclaimed exaggeratedly when he saw Ji Yun.

Huo Wenxi rolled her eyes: "I've only known him for half an hour."

Zhou Yougen skillfully opened the champagne, but instead of handing it to Ji Yun, he poured two glasses for Yang Ying and Wen Yongshan.

"Director Ji, I heard you're going to make an idol variety show? We at Fashion International may not have much else, but we have the most beautiful women."

Look at the two of them.

After speaking, he gave the two women a look.

The two girls smiled even more brightly.

Handsome, young, resourceful, high-ranking, and I heard he's also very rich...

They each had a cup and sat down next to Ji Yun, making it easier for him to embrace them on either side.

Angelababy leaned in, almost too close, her voice soft and sweet: "Director Ji, I've watched your movie three times, and I laughed like a pig every time."

She swirled the wine glass in her hand and chuckled softly, "A toast to you."

After saying that, she brought the wine glass to Ji Yun's mouth, and after Ji Yun took a sip, she drank the rest in one gulp.

Wen Yongshan extended her hand generously and greeted him calmly: "Hello Director Ji, I'm Janice. Are you still investing? My income in a lifetime is less than your monthly income."

Seeing that Yang Ying had already praised Ji Yun's work, she turned to praise Ji Yun's investment achievements.

This sophisticated and intellectual Hong Kong woman style stands in stark contrast to Angelababy's sweet and adorable demeanor.

Twin flowers, one responsible for sweetness, the other for gentleness.

For the next hour or so, champagne and red wine were served alternately.

The two women, one on each side, hugged Ji Yun's arms and smiled radiantly.

Wen Yongshan shared some interesting stories from the set of "Love Fighting".

Angelababy leaned against him, playfully complaining that her Mandarin wasn't good: "Director Ji, could you teach me?"

Zhou Yougen seized the opportunity to come over and pull Angelababy up to spin around: "Our baby has such a great figure, from her collarbone to her waist, every inch is perfectly proportioned."

Angelababy blushed, but didn't push her away.

Wen Yongshan sat quietly on the other side of Ji Yun without saying a word, but her gaze never left Ji Yun.

Huo Wenxi clinked glasses with Ji Yun across the table and nodded at him.

His expression clearly said, "Two beautiful women, are you satisfied?"

Ji Yun raised his glass to her, leaned close to her ear, and said, "The young lady isn't putting in the effort, how about you?"

Huo Wenxi's wine glass wobbled slightly.