Chapter 71: Human Relations and Worldly Wisdom Must Be Understood Personally
The next day, Hong Kong's gossip magazines published photos of Li Chen and others in Lan Kwai Fong.
However, there were no photos of them being harassed by triads.
Li Chen became even more certain of his guess.
At the same time, Yang Mi of Rongxingda had also been following the news of this senior.
And also Tang Yan, an artist from his senior's company.
Yang Mi sent Tang Yan a message.
Upon learning that there was a drama offer, her envy grew even stronger.
...
Yang Siwei heard that her boss agreed to meet Xiang Huaqiang.
Her mouth hung wide open, and she didn't react for a long time.
Li Chen didn't explain much to her; some things she needed to understand on her own.
Back in the room, Yang Siwei still couldn't quite believe it.
Tang Yan, seeing Yang Siwei's expression, asked curiously, "Siwei, what's wrong? What did the boss want you for?"
Yang Siwei said, very puzzled, "The boss agreed to meet Xiang Huaqiang and told me to reply to them."
The two looked at each other, and Tang Yan asked doubtfully, "The boss didn't say why?"
Yang Siwei shook her head without answering, picked up the phone, and contacted China Star.
The two parties agreed to meet at Fook Lam Moon.
In the evening, Li Chen brought Yang Siwei and Tang Yan to the banquet.
Yang Shoucheng learned the news immediately.
Li Chen's unconventional approach was quite unexpected to him.
In the car, Yang Siwei couldn't help but ask, "Boss, why did you suddenly decide to meet them?"
Li Chen replied, "Go figure it out yourself."
Yang Siwei got a cold shoulder. When they arrived at Fook Lam Moon, they got out of the car.
Xiang Huaqiang's son was already waiting at the entrance.
Li Chen chuckled inwardly, thinking that the second-generation stars were about to make their grand entrance.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Li Chen and the two followed Xiang Zuo into the elevator and entered private room 102.
Yang Siwei and Tang Yan exchanged glances; they had both done their homework before coming.
Rumor had it in Hong Kong that if you wanted to get into Hong Kong's upper-class circle, you had to first book private room 102 at Fook Lam Moon.
Unexpectedly, besides Xiang Huaqiang and his wife, there was also a familiar face: Andy Lau.
Xiang Huaqiang stood up and extended his hand, "Director Li, welcome."
His signature Long Wu-style smile was a fake one, and his grip was stronger than average.
No wonder it was rumored that the Xiang family members all practiced martial arts.
After getting acquainted with Xiang Huaqiang and his wife, Andy Lau stepped forward to exchange pleasantries with Li Chen.
"Director Li, I also watched the 'Crossing the Guandong' press conference, and Director Li's words were very inspiring."
"Hua Ge, you flatter me. Aren't you also actively doing meaningful things, Hua Ge?"
"I've also been following the New Asian Shooting Stars plan, and perhaps there will be opportunities for collaboration in the future."
The two exchanged a few compliments and laughed heartily.
Li Chen then introduced Tang Yan and Yang Siwei to the Xiang family.
"Director Li, let's sit down and talk," Chen Lan greeted Li Chen and the others to take their seats.
During the meal, everyone discussed the development of Hong Kong and mainland films in recent years.
Chen Lan seized the opportunity to express China Star's optimism about the mainland film market.
And their desire to cooperate with prominent directors like Li Chen from the mainland.
The reticent Xiang Huaqiang also said, "Actually, in 1995, China Star had already collaborated with the mainland."
Li Chen knew that Xiang Huaqiang was referring to the film 'The Flying Tigers,' in which Li Xuejian also starred.
However, at that time, China Star was still Win's Entertainment.
Li Chen neither agreed nor refused.
Xiang Huaqiang and his wife also understood.
Today's meeting was merely an initial getting-to-know-you process for both sides.
Their side only needed to show their willingness and sincerity; they could take their time.
During the meal, when interesting anecdotes were brought up, Li Chen even joked,
"When I used to watch 'God of Gamblers,' I thought Mr. Xiang's portrayal of Long Wu had a very 'big brother' vibe."
"Later, I found out that Mr. Xiang himself was a big boss in Hong Kong, so it was completely a natural performance."
Xiang Huaqiang was also very pleased; the role of Long Wu was considered one of Xiang Huaqiang's proudest achievements.
Laughter filled the air during the meal, and Tang Yan even proactively asked Andy Lau for a group photo.
Yang Siwei felt even more puzzled.
They were chatting so happily, but what was the point of yesterday's incident?
Towards the end, Li Chen didn't mention a single word about what happened yesterday.
Yang Siwei and Tang Yan certainly wouldn't bring it up either.
The group parted ways in front of Fook Lam Moon, with paparazzi still following them.
Andy Lau smiled and said, "Director Li, if there's another script like 'shoplifters' in the future, please consider me."
"Even with zero remuneration."
These words astonished both Yang Siwei and Tang Yan.
It seemed that Li Xuejian's triumph at Cannes had greatly stimulated many people.
Andy Lau was one of them.
At Andy Lau's level, remuneration was no longer the primary concern.
After seeing Li Chen and the two off.
Xiang Huaqiang's family and Andy Lau also got into their cars.
"Hua Zai, I don't think this young man is as difficult to talk to as you said," Chen Lan said with a smile.
"I only had one encounter with him before; today is the first time we've truly met."
"However, it seems today that Li Chen is not unreceptive to Mr. Xiang's goodwill," Andy Lau said.
"No wonder he can build such a large career at a young age; he understands human relations and worldly wisdom very clearly," Xiang Huaqiang said.
On the other side, Tang Yan was still marveling at Andy Lau's mention of zero remuneration.
Li Chen teased, "Tangtang, in terms of emotional intelligence, Andy Lau is definitely a cut above the rest."
"If he doesn't want it, do you dare not give it? Would Andy Lau's fans agree?"
"Do I still want my reputation?"
Tang Yan fell silent, carefully pondering her boss's words.
Yang Siwei then turned her head and asked doubtfully.
"Boss, why do I feel like Xiang Huaqiang didn't know about yesterday's incident?"
Li Chen smiled approvingly, "Not bad, although you're naive, you're not completely foolish."
Ignoring her boss's teasing.
Yang Siwei said seriously, "Boss, do you mean that those people yesterday were not arranged by Xiang Huaqiang?"
Li Chen did not directly answer Yang Siwei, only saying, "Siwei, who it was doesn't matter; we didn't lose anything."
"Emperor Entertainment Group is not our only option for collaboration."
"The initiative must always be in your own hands; you need to understand this point clearly."
Yang Siwei and Tang Yan both seemed to have understood.
The open and hidden struggles between big shots involved not only grand gestures in the business world but also petty tricks behind the scenes.
If the boss hadn't pointed it out today, the two of them would have racked their brains and never thought that yesterday's incident was orchestrated by Emperor Entertainment Group.
The goal was to solidify the cooperative relationship with the boss.
And their opponent, China Star, had no idea what happened from beginning to end?
It truly was a case of open spears being easy to dodge, but hidden arrows being hard to guard against.
Back at the hotel, Yang Siwei and Tang Yan were still discussing the day's events.
Tang Yan suddenly realized, "This morning, when I saw the gossip news, I was still wondering."
"Are Hong Kong paparazzi so professional now? We were harassed by thugs, but it wasn't exposed."
"Now it seems someone deliberately didn't want it exposed."
Yang Siwei understood everything now and nodded, "Indeed, if it's not exposed, besides us few involved, who else would know?"
"Perhaps this is the result that Yang Dong most wanted to see."
Yang Siwei sighed.
"The boss is becoming more and more like an old fox."
Tang Yan smiled, "Why are you sighing? Do you wish the boss were an honest person?"
"In that case, you and I would have to consider finding new jobs!"
The next day, photos of Li Chen, Xiang Huaqiang's family, and Andy Lau appearing at the entrance of Fook Lam Moon were published.
Facing media inquiries, Chen Lan's answers were very vague.
"China Star certainly hopes for opportunities to cooperate with mainland directors."
"Especially talented young directors like Director Li."
"My husband, Hua Zai, and I are all very much looking forward to reaching a collaboration with Director Li, and both parties will continue to stay in touch."
"The mainland film market has broad prospects, and we at China Star have always been very optimistic about it."
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