sinovels Chapter 122 A Grand Banquet
Chapter 122 A Grand Banquet
In Hong Kong, Zhou Hongzao invested in Hongye Investment (International), which is the group headquarters that holds all overseas branches of Hongye Investment and overseas branches of Hongye Trading.
In addition, there is Hongye Trading, whose overseas branches are basically companies that provide services to Zhou Hong personally.
Similar to the family offices of wealthy people in Europe and America, but Zhou Hong has dedicated family offices in various places to hold assets invested in by "public funds" and consume excess "public funds".
Ayamichi Tachibana is the chief legal counsel and executive representative of the board of directors of Hongye Group. She is constantly flying around, representing the chairman in handling company affairs.
Today, companies like Wanxiang Entertainment (headquarters) have also moved into the Grade A office building owned by Zhou Hong, which has been renamed Hongye Building.
……
19 Barker Road, Victoria Peak, Hong Kong.
Hidden in the lush, dense forest, the buildings are partially obscured. If one can pass through the heavily guarded gates and venture inside, one will find that it is a seven-story luxury villa with five-story annex buildings on both sides.
In the luxurious banquet hall, under the magnificent and dazzling chandeliers, various silver utensils gleamed.
The long dining table features a massive, milky-white granite slab covering the surface, with an ivory-white silk tablecloth that resembles an exquisite work of art. The luxurious gold candlesticks appear to be made of pure gold, exuding an indescribable sense of historical vicissitude within their rustic and solemn atmosphere.
Zhou Hong sat at the head of the long table, to the left of Mrs. Li, an elegant and charming woman who had come to visit and was a powerful figure in the Hong Kong entertainment industry.
Sitting next to Mrs. Li is her goddaughter, Bai Zhier, the new generation's "Jade Girl" leader. At only twenty-two years old, she is at the height of her fame. Her pure student look in the classic film she co-starred in with Stephen Chow was a sensation, and she is the dream girl of countless people.
At this moment, she was at the peak of her beauty, with delicate features and clear eyes. She was not afraid of close-ups on the big screen where even the slightest flaw would be magnified infinitely. A gorgeous snow-white dress made her pure and lively appearance even more beautiful.
To Zhou Hong's right sat Chung Ti-er. To Zhou Hong's surprise, the guest that Ti-er brought was an unexpected female star, Su Qi, who looked stunning in a gorgeous red dress. This former queen of blockbuster movies has recently rehabilitated her image and her acting career is booming. Her unique sexy and alluring charm seems to be innate. Even though her lips are a bit thick and her mouth is a little big, it is her unique sexy charm.
Su Qi, who is twenty-six years old this year, is at the age when she exudes endless charm.
"Mr. Hong, 'The Warrant Officer's Angel,' oh, it's translated locally as 'Fiery Angel,' is opening today in Hong Kong. You don't seem to care at all?" Mrs. Li said to Zhou Hong with a smile.
The market has the keenest sense of smell. After its premiere in Bangkok, "The Warrant Officer's Angel" was quickly introduced to theaters in Europe, America and Hong Kong, and was released simultaneously in Changchun.
Before Zhou Hong could answer, she continued, "Chairman Hong's confidence is well-deserved. I was highly recommended this film, so I flew to Bangkok a few days ago to see it. It's a groundbreaking work, truly deserving of those five words. Chairman Hong has greatly elevated the status of us Chinese producers and directors!"
He smiled at Chung Ti-er again and said, "Ms. Chung's value has skyrocketed recently. I heard that your agent directly raised your fee to HK$1000 million? But Huayi Brothers made an offer, and you refused?"
Zhong Tier smiled slightly: "It's all just rumors."
Of course, it is true. However, compared to these things, what Chung Ti-er felt more emotional when facing this godmother-like figure in the Hong Kong entertainment industry was that their status seemed to have become equal. In the past, she had never had any interaction with this godmother, and the other party had never paid any attention to her.
"Why didn't you answer?" Zhou Hong asked, somewhat surprised.
Chung Ti-er gently shook her head: "From now on, I will only film movies that you invest in."
This short sentence is full of profound meaning.
First, her value increased significantly after "The Sky of the Warrant Officer". Although she did not sign with Zhou Hong's company, she would not take on any other films because she had seen the finished product and it was clear that it was not her acting skills that made "The Sky of the Warrant Officer" popular, but rather the effect of post-production.
Secondly, she is not short of money now and is unwilling to work under other directors.
Third, it subtly implies that he is now yours.
Li Tai clearly understood the deeper meaning, and her gaze towards Zhou Hong became more scrutinizing and thoughtful.
"Chairman Hong, I heard that Wanxiang Film Industry is your private company? And you even bought the Hongye Building? Impressive!"
Zhou Hong smiled and said, "I'm a complete novice in the entertainment industry, so I'll need Mrs. Li's guidance in the future."
"I wouldn't dare. Wanxiang is a world-class entertainment company that will greatly enhance the Hong Kong entertainment industry. I hope we will have the opportunity to cooperate with Chairman Hong." Mrs. Li's tone was very humble, completely unlike the domineering attitude that Zhou Hong displayed towards the Hong Kong entertainment industry in various interviews many years after his "dream of the future".
Zhou Hong thought for a moment and said, "I heard that your group is issuing new shares, at HK$0.52 per share?"
Li Tai's eyes lit up immediately: "Chairman Hong is interested?"
The company he and his wife own, Hutchison Whampoa Group, is a listed company with a total market value of less than HK$500 million. In its interim financial report this year, it had revenue of more than HK$100 million and a loss of more than HK$30 million.
However, with total assets of HK$9 million and net assets of HK$7 million, the financial structure is very healthy.
The market value of listed entertainment companies fluctuates greatly depending on the box office performance of the films they produce.
The films produced by Hexing in the first half of this year did not perform well at the box office, and one of them even lost a lot of money.
Zhou Hong laughed and said, "Ten million US dollars, how many shares can I get? Oh, I don't need to exercise the shareholding. I can sign a concerted action agreement with Mrs. Li, and Mrs. Li will exercise the shareholding on my behalf."
After all, it wouldn't hurt to establish a faction in Hong Kong and cultivate good relations with these local scumbags.
Although the era in which Hong Kong entertainment and triads were inseparable is no longer over, the influence of the Lee family in the entertainment industry still permeates all aspects.
Of course, I don't care. My entertainment group faces the global market, but it just so happens that using up the welfare funds for Hong Kong residents who prefer to stay at home and holding company stocks that will rise sharply in the future is not a bad thing.
Local welfare payments, which are charitable funds and public funds, totaled more than 40 million US dollars after the "holiday," and have hardly been touched.
Mrs. Li was somewhat surprised. Her purpose in visiting was naturally to build a good relationship and strive for some degree of cooperation in the future.
But to my surprise, they just casually invested nearly HK$1 million, which seemed like they were just throwing out some pocket money.
"Mr. Hong, we will definitely give you a generous reward. I will give you an answer tomorrow, okay?" Many things are best left to the actuaries and lawyers to study.
We also need to be careful that this guy is all sweet talk, but in reality he's here to swallow up Xing Group, initially acquiring a certain number of shares, and then gradually taking them over.
This guy is too mysterious. His identity is not as simple as it appears. The people and things related to the RB Foundation are all very mysterious. The only way to find out about him is through Chung Ti-er.
"Of course, I'm not in a hurry," Zhou Hong smiled.
The atmosphere was relaxed and harmonious as the banquet drew to a close.
While enjoying dessert, Mrs. Li smiled and said, "I've heard that 19 Barker Road has become extremely luxurious since it was purchased and renovated by a tycoon from the Xiang Kingdom. I wonder if Zhi'er and I would have the honor of visiting Mr. Hong's mansion? Would you like to feast our eyes on it?"
Zhou Hong nodded, "Of course!" He gestured, and Granny Qi, who was standing not far away, came forward, smiling at Mrs. Li and Bai Zhier, "Mrs. Li, Miss Bai, please follow me!"
In fact, Zhou Hong had said many times that he didn't want Granny Qi to be making appearances at such an old age, but Granny Qi insisted on it. This was her way of life, and she seemed to be thriving in her new home, getting younger and younger.
"Grandma, you're back again!" Mrs. Li nodded slightly to her, clearly recognizing this living encyclopedia of Hong Kong's elite.
"Xiao Hong, are you going back to China tomorrow?" Zhong Tier asked as she saw Granny Qi leading Mrs. Li and her daughter toward the elevator.
"You know perfectly well why I'm asking. It's a college entrance celebration! I got into university!" Zhou Hong smiled slightly. He had originally invited Ti'er to go with him.
Upon hearing this, Su Qi looked at Zhou Hong in surprise. Zhong Tier had never told her the specifics of Zhou Hong's situation; he was a domestic college entrance examination candidate.
"I really can't go to the mainland with you this time, but Su Qi can accompany you." Chung Ti-er smiled slightly.
Zhou Hong was taken aback, but then Su Qi smiled gracefully and generously: "To be able to accompany Chairman Hong and Warrant Officer Director Hong on a trip to the mainland, isn't that every aspiring actor's dream? I just don't know if I have that honor."
"Chairman Hong really likes you. He's asked me about you several times!" Chung Ti-er smiled lightly.
Zhou Hong was speechless, but it seemed that he had asked Chung Ti-er many questions about the Hong Kong entertainment industry.
Su Qi's expressive eyes, brimming with laughter, glanced at Zhou Hong and asked, "Which of my movies do you like, Mr. Hong?" Her Mandarin, though not quite standard, carried a distinctively alluring tone.
Although spending time with Tier has made me somewhat immune to the aura of the big stars I was obsessed with when I was young.
But seeing these big stars in person, so vibrant and beautiful, and usually even more refined and radiant than on the big screen, still stirred a slight flutter in Zhou Hong's heart.
He smiled at Su Qi without saying a word, seemingly displaying the authority of a superior, but in reality, he was afraid that his tone of voice would sound a little off when he spoke.
I thought to myself, "Eat Drink Man Woman," I love your "Eat Drink Man Woman"!
Su Qi was given a brief glance by Zhou Hong, and her naturally alluring eyes stopped flashing. She sat up straight and said in a low voice, "I'm sorry, Chairman Hong, I was being presumptuous."
Zhou Hong nodded, then turned and said, "Book tickets for Miss Su."
"Thank you, Chairman Hong!" Su Qi's eyes showed joy, but she didn't dare to show it too much.