Chapter 818: Chapter 224: Welcome Banquet
Repulse Bay is located in the southern district of Hong Kong Island and is one of the most prestigious residential areas. The upper-class people of Hong Kong either prefer the mountains or the beaches, so most of the residences are chosen in these two places. Especially the beach, it’s the best choice for cooling off in the summer. Several nice bays in Hong Kong have villa complexes, among which Repulse Bay is the most historically significant. Almost all the notable figures of Hong Kong’s upper class, like the Li family, Bao family, Zeng family, and others, have their own villas here.
At this moment, under the descending night, the entrance of a villa covering several hundred square feet is brilliantly illuminated, with luxury cars constantly coming in and out. If someone could recognize the license plates, they would be amazed to discover that almost all the well-known tycoons of Hong Kong have arrived. Although they usually interact with each other, what kind of gathering can make these big figures attend so publicly?
"I’ve grown old, have experienced too much in life, and the changes in the world are becoming greater and greater, it’s now the time for you young people. I’ve handed over the work to Yihua, just wanting to quietly watch how the world can still change." A frail old man, whose hair was almost gone, wearing a pair of wide glasses, sighed as he said this.
"You shouldn’t say that, Mr. Shao. Compared to all the seniors of your age I’ve seen, you’re much more spirited. You’re a Buddhist and have done so many good deeds, you’re a world-renowned philanthropist. San Francisco has even designated each September 8 as Shao Yifu Day. The Buddha will definitely bless you. As the saying goes, ’A hero’s ambition never dies in old age.’ Talk about retiring after you hit a hundred." A white man, who looked about thirty to forty years old, said with a smile beside him.
It was a somewhat strange scene, the bald frail old man speaking in English, while the white man used Chinese—standard Mandarin rather than Cantonese—yet the people around them all looked as if it was perfectly normal.
"Indeed, Uncle Liu, it’s far too early for you to retire, TVB can’t do without you." Another man, also in his thirties, chimed in with a laugh, followed by a chorus of agreement from those around.
The old man chuckled, then furrowed his brow and coughed gently a few times. A socialite, standing a little farther away, then walked over, leaned in to whisper a few words to the old man, and then looked up to Adrian with an apologetic smile: "I’m sorry, Mr. Cowell, Yifu is a bit tired and needs to go back to rest."
"No problem, I am already honored that Mr. Shao attended the soiree in person." Adrian nodded politely, then shook hands with the old man. "Thank you for coming, wishing you good health, Mr. Shao."
"Thank you, Mr. Cowell." The counterpart smiled, then left, supported by his wife who was decades younger.
This frail old man was none other than the renowned Justice of the Peace, Shao Yifu, who had presided over TVB for decades, making it almost a monopoly in Hong Kong. While the head of the Hong Kong office of AC Media did send out an invitation to TVB when organizing the soiree, they didn’t really expect Shao Yifu, being over 90 years old, to attend in person. It was thought that a few TVB executives would suffice. Unexpectedly, he actually attended himself.
Although he stayed for only half an hour, most of the time was spent talking to Adrian, equating to a significant show of face. And he wasn’t the only one offering face, representatives of status from the Guo family, Chung family, and the two Li families were present as well, like the two now discussing with Adrian.
"To be honest, when I first heard about you, my initial reaction was disbelief. I’ve met those directors from Hong Kong; they may have talent, but running a conglomerate seems nearly impossible."
"Indeed, think of people like Huang Baoming, but this also shows there are geniuses in the world, big brother."
The two men standing before Adrian looked quite similar to him, both wearing glasses, with slightly crosseyed eyes and slightly protruding teeth. However, one’s hair was neatly combed, while the other had short hair. Their relationship was also quite subtle. As if to prove something, the younger seemed to call the elder ’big brother,’ but the elder did not mind.
These two were Li Zeju and Li Zekai, the sons of Ka-shing Li, the owner of Cheung Kong Holdings, the new blood in Hong Kong’s circle of tycoons. Although Ka-shing Li, due to generational issues, was not fit to attend personally, having these two at the event was equivalent to him attending. This was the case with other families as well; if they all attended personally, it would be a treatment even the Chief Executive wouldn’t get. So having close family attend as representatives shows both respect and courtesy.
As for why Shao Yifu personally came, it was because TVB had different relations with AC Media. To be precise, there were many areas where TVB was dependent on AC Media.
"That’s because I have a good partner. I take care of the big direction, and he handles the specific implementation. Our cooperation is seamless," Adrian smiled and said. "It’s like when I attended classes at Stanford Business School. Although most of the time I did nothing, I still remember what the professor of the entrepreneurship course said: Play to your strengths, avoid your weaknesses, be good at cooperation and coordination to achieve success."
Saying this, he showed an enlightening expression, smiling more as he raised his cup to the two Young Master Lis: "By the way, we are still fellow alumni."
"Indeed." Li Zeju laughed, and Li Zekai followed with a laugh as well. The three glasses then clinked together with a light ding, but both brothers were faking smiles.
Adrian noticed it without saying much, as the matters of the Li family had nothing to do with him. But if he could only choose one, he preferred dealing with Li Zeju. As the eldest son, and having experienced being kidnapped, he would be somewhat more considerate, even if just a little bit. As for Li Zekai, youthful arrogance led him to rashly list an IT stock, causing a sharp decline that cost many who had high hopes for him dearly, even to the point where TVB made a character "Li Xiaochao" in "Once a Thief" to satirize and mock him.
"But Mr. Cowell’s talent and ability are beyond doubt. I often hear colleagues say that half of AC Media’s achievements are supported by Mr. Cowell." A voice chimed in at this time, speaking in clear Mandarin, though the Li family brothers, though expanding into the mainland market, weren’t particularly proficient in it.
Following that, a chubby face with glasses appeared in front of Adrian. Besides the Guo, Chung, and the two Li families, many notable figures attended the soiree, such as Mr. Liu Changle, the chairman and president of Turkey TV.
"Mr. Cowell’s Chinese is indeed remarkable. Although I’d heard about it, only hearing it in person does one truly appreciate how exceptional it is." The man complimented.
"Thank you for the compliment, delighted to have you here, Mr. Liu." Adrian extended his hand to shake his.
"Speaking of which, Mr. Cowell is not only the chairman of AC Media but also a world-renowned director. What do you think about the prospects of Hong Kong films?" Liu Changle subsequently asked.
Hearing this, Adrian couldn’t help but chuckle inwardly; they were indeed diligent.
The fact that so many Hong Kong celebrities came to support was not just because Adrian visited Hong Kong. AC Media’s investment here wasn’t significant. But if someone requested it, asking these celebrities to observe this American media tycoon, it would be a different story. If it was previously a guess, Liu Changle’s interruption while Adrian was observing the Li family brothers confirmed it. People in the industry all knew that when Murdoch tried to enter the mainland by acquiring Star TV, but mainland authorities wouldn’t allow foreign control, he specifically brought in Liu Changle to acquire part of the shares, becoming the major shareholder and reorganizing it into Turkey Channel, pushing Murdoch to third position, so his official backing is quite strong.
Interesting, then let’s show a bit more for you to see.
"This is a regret for me," Adrian cleared his throat and said, "I dare not predict the future, but if Hong Kong films can fully cooperate with the mainland after a revival work appears, they can absolutely rejuvenate. Yet in my view, the best era was still ten to twenty years ago."
With this, he sighed, as if regretting it truly: "Back then, Hong Kong’s movies and TV dramas, although many were rubbish, there were also many classics that were memorable, and the people in them were all exceptionally talented."
Saying this last sentence, the men around couldn’t help but show knowing smiles.
"I’ve always heard Mr. Cowell is a romantic figure, and meeting you today surely proves it true." Chen Yongqi, who came along with Liu Changle, another major shareholder of Turkey TV, said with a smile.
"I don’t dare claim so; I merely follow my heart." Adrian put down his cup and made a gesture with a smile.
This action left a group of people a bit bewildered; this foreigner not speaking English or Cantonese but rather Mandarin, and so fluently. It would be one thing if he was unfamiliar with idioms and historical allusions, but he employed such gestures reminiscent of paying respects, should they mock him for knowing nothing or be amazed at his bit of knowledge?
"For example, Ms. Lin’s Dongfang Bubai, or Miss Zhao’s Bai Suzhen, Ms. Chen’s Little Dragon Girl, all had such varied appearances, leaving a lasting impression. While others may lack their representative roles, they have their own characteristics, like Ms. Zhong. I quite enjoyed her collaboration with Mr. Zhang and Mr. Zhou in ’Once a Thief.’" Adrian didn’t mind their gazes and continued speaking. Although he used Miss and Mr. to replace the names of the actors, most people around knew who he was referring to.
"If I were born ten years earlier, I’d definitely find a way to ask her out," he concluded, as if it were a matter of course.
Those around him couldn’t help but exchange glances, some surprised and others thoughtful, until Liu Changle came to break the ice: "Mr. Cowell is certainly straightforward. I believe many people, even if they had such thoughts, wouldn’t express them so directly."
"I understand, but it’s really nothing. It’s completely normal for men to pursue beautiful women," Adrian spread his hands, "After all, as the saying goes, ’My fair lady, a gentleman’s pursuit,’ and hasn’t it always been this way for hundreds of years?"
Liu Changle felt a bit of a headache and a slight twitch at the corner of his mouth. This Westerner was quite the Westerner, speaking very directly yet having a good grasp of Eastern culture, even quoting ’My fair lady, a gentleman’s pursuit.’ With only a few people around, it was hard to counter.
Adrian also realized he might have gone a bit overboard. Speaking so directly, even at a party with new acquaintances, is considered slightly impolite in both the United States and Europe, let alone here in Hong Kong.
But perhaps that’s good. If he seemed too knowledgeable about Chinese culture, it might arouse suspicion, just like how he couldn’t have directed "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon."
"No wonder the works Mr. Cowell has produced this year all focus on showcasing the allure of women," Li Zeju aided from the side.
"I just want to capture those beautiful bodies and faces with my camera, those that can stir the soul, just like those beauties from ten or twenty years ago, though they’ve aged, their unparalleled images remain in films, which can be more inspirational during creation," Adrian sighed, transforming into an artist at this moment.
Just as Liu Changle was inwardly sighing, unsure of what to say, a voice came over: "Though slightly inappropriate, the saying ’My fair lady, a gentleman’s pursuit’ is always correct."
The newcomer had a face similar to Liu Changle’s, somewhat chubby, also wore glasses, had a bald forehead, sleek glasses, around seventy to eighty years old, exuding a scholarly aura.
Upon seeing the other person, Adrian was visibly stunned, as if he recognized the face but couldn’t immediately remember who it was.
"I suppose I’m not that frightening," the old man looked at himself and humorously remarked, prompting low laughter to ripple through the surroundings.
"Of course not," Adrian quickly recovered, "I just didn’t know whether to call you Mr. Jin or Mr. Cha."
This statement drew surprised glances, as they all assumed this foreigner was quite familiar with Chinese culture, not expecting him to know both the pen name and real name of the person. The old man’s smile became much more eager.
"Jin Yong is just a pen name; Cha Liangyong is my real name," he said with a smile.
"It seems Mr. Cowell also likes Mr. Cha’s novels," Liu Changle finally took the opportunity to steer the conversation.
"Yes, as a representative of new school martial arts novelists, of course I have to read Mr. Cha’s books. The Legend of the Condor Heroes, The Book and the Sword, The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber, A Smiling, Proud Wanderer—I’ve read them all," Adrian smiled, "I must say, Mr. Cha has a remarkable grasp of history, cleverly intertwining story and history without being cliché, no wonder it’s so compelling."
"You flatter me, Mr. Cowell." Cha Liangyong’s smile deepened.
As expected, it’s said Cha Liangyong preferred being praised as a litterateur, historian rather than the founding master of martial arts novels. For this, he even earned a history Ph.D. and master’s degree at Cambridge. Adrian followed up with a few compliments. As for the truth, it didn’t matter; Cha Liangyong was an old fox. Didn’t he simply agree when film companies asked if the actresses matched his vision of the female leads in his novels? Besides, who wouldn’t glorify their ancestry after achieving success?
"So, Mr. Cowell, which of Mr. Cha’s novels is your favorite?" After sending off Shao Yifu and greeting many guests, Fang Yihua returned.
"Well... each has its shortcomings and merits," Adrian pondered and then said.
"That’s too vague, Mr. Cowell. It’s not acceptable," Chen Yongqi said with a smile in his halting Mandarin.
"Alright then..." Adrian thought for a moment, "I’ll talk about the male protagonists from a few of the more prominent works I personally rank high, and I must declare, this is just a personal opinion."
Clearing his throat, he began his evaluations: "Qiao Feng is bold and straightforward, a loyal friend, but too rigid and breaks easily. Duan Yu is infatuated to the point of foolishness, Xuzhu is purely kind yet dull, Guo Jing is wise in his simplicity, tenacious and unyielding, a true hero, but is overly constrained by propriety, so it’s no wonder Old Heretic Huang doesn’t favor him. Yang Guo is a genius, exceedingly smart, but his hardships in youth made him perceptively clever, only the likes of Little Dragon Girl, who’s entirely innocent, could get along with him, and he indeed needs such a pure wife. It’s just unfortunate for those other girls, as it’s said that upon seeing Yang Guo, one’s life is ruined—the words of Ms. Lin, not mine."
Hearing the last line, everyone around couldn’t help but burst into laughter.
"Zhang Wuji is also purely kind, but his indecisive feelings are frustrating. Ling Huchong is carefree and follows his heart, a man of chivalry, but would never be a good sect leader, as Yue Buqun is right not to like his frivolity. But Hu Fei, Mr. Cha said in the postscript, was aimed at portraying a real man, and he indeed achieved that. In Other Tales of the Flying Fox, Hu Fei is very vivid, though in matters of affection, like all protagonists, he’s also hesitant, which is a pity," Adrian sighed here, "Yet precisely because of this, these characters leave such deep impressions, they’re truly human. Zhang Sanfeng in Heavenly Sword Dragon Slaying Saber is very flawless, but lacks some humanity."
Finishing here, the talk ended. Then, led by Cha Liangyong, a round of applause erupted. Well, considering this Westerner already had a good understanding of Chinese culture, it was normal he spoke at length.
"I am truly surprised, Mr. Cowell, to find you have such a deep understanding of my novels," Cha Liangyong concealed a bit of pride beneath his brows, reminiscent of when 286 lit his cigarette back in the day. Adrian, of course, wasn’t comparable to 286, but he was a rising star in the global media conglomerate now. Having a Westerner who had read and studied his novels was undeniably gratifying.
"Then does Mr. Cowell have a favorite character?" Liu Changle asked at this point.
"Well..." Adrian thought for a moment, glancing at Fang Yihua. Before coming to Hong Kong, he’d been constantly considering this in his mind, and now he finally had a decision.
"If I really had to choose," he said with a playful smile, "It would be Zhang Wuji."
"Oh? Why is that?" Not just Liu Changle, but several others showed curious expressions.
"It’s simple, only he enjoyed the blessings of having many wives," Adrian spread his hands.
The room went silent for several seconds, then burst into collective laughter, drawing attention from people around.
"Mr. Cowell is truly a charming figure," Cha Liangyong remarked with a laugh. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, you’re welcome to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets at Qidian (). Your support is my greatest motivation.)