RBCT Chapter 133 Establishing Authority
Chapter 133 Establishing Authority
Chapter 133 Establishing Authority
On April 25th, on the terrace of the Peninsula Hotel's penthouse suite, Jiang Yu, dressed in a dark blue silk robe, held a cup of freshly ground coffee and was engrossed in reading today's newspaper.
The morning breeze was cool, and the thin mist over Victoria Harbour had not yet dissipated. The high-rise buildings in Central on the opposite shore appeared and disappeared in the mist, like a traditional Chinese ink painting.
"The speed of Hong Kong media is astounding." He spread the Oriental Daily News on the rattan table; the front page featured a large photo of yesterday's airport scene.
He put his arm around Liu Yifei's shoulder, and the two of them smiled brightly.
The title is "Billionaire and 'Fairy Sister' Arrive in Hong Kong, Hollywood Blockbuster."
"Coming Soon!" The font size is frighteningly large.
The Pingguo Daily went even further, directly using paparazzi photos: the moment he and Liu Yifei got out of the car at the hotel entrance, the angle was so tricky that it looked like the two were about to kiss.
The headline was even more sensational: "Jiang Yu and Liu Yifei arrive in Hong Kong sweetly, spending the night together in a penthouse suite at the Peninsula Hotel?", with a small note next to it stating, "Insiders revealed: the two stayed in the same suite."
"These people—" Jiang Yu shook his head with a smile and handed the newspaper to Liu Yifei, who had just walked over. "Look at this, it's written as if it were the real thing."
Liu Yifei was wearing light pink loungewear, her hair loosely draped over her shoulders, and her face still had a lazy blush from just waking up.
She took the newspaper and glanced at it, her face immediately turning red: "How could they write something like that, 'spending the night together'?"
'
"That's just how paparazzi are," Jiang Yu said, pulling her to sit down beside him and handing her a glass of milk. "Don't worry about it. By the way, Luc Besson will be at the hotel at 10 a.m. this morning. There's a script reading this afternoon, so be prepared."
"Mmm." Liu Yifei took a small sip of milk. "I've memorized the script, but I still need to practice the pronunciation of some technical terms. I even practiced it twice before going to bed last night."
Jiang Yu ruffled her hair. "Luc Besson is a very easy person to get along with."
Breakfast has arrived; it's a typical English breakfast.
Fried eggs, bacon, sausage, roasted tomatoes, baked beans, and freshly baked croissants.
The two sat down at a small round table on the terrace, eating and reading the newspaper.
Ming Pao was relatively more objective: "Light Chaser Pictures ventures internationally, Jiang Yu personally goes to Hong Kong to oversee operations."
The article provides a detailed analysis of Light Chaser's development strategy and the market prospects of "Lucy," and also includes a chart showing the equity structure of Light Chaser Holdings.
The Star Daily News focused on the business aspect: "Mainland upstarts create a whirlwind in Hong Kong, with Hong Kong bigwigs vying to invite him," listing news of companies such as Sound Emperor, China Xing, Huan Ya, and Anle meeting with Jiang Yu, and also predicting possible collaborations.
"These reporters have done their homework quite well." Jiang Yu flipped to the financial section of the Sing Tao Daily, where there was a detailed introduction to the Chasing the Future Fund. "They even dug up our fund's investment direction."
"That's how the Hong Kong media is," Liu Yifei said. "I remember when I came to Hong Kong as a child, those reporters could even find out what brand of clothes my mother wore and what brand of perfume she used."
As the two were chatting, Wang Wei knocked and came in, holding a folder in her hand: "Boss, here's the schedule for this morning. 10:00 AM, Director Luc Besson arrives at the hotel; 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM, meeting; 12:00 PM, lunch with Mr. Lin at the Ritz-Carlton; 2:00 PM, Ms. Liu's script reading; 7:00 PM, the welcome dinner for the Sound Emperor."
"Yes." Jiang Yu nodded. "Has Luc Besson's room been arranged?"
"It's all arranged, right downstairs in an executive suite," Wang Wei said. "Also, the teams of actors Morgan Freeman and Amor Wacker arrived in Hong Kong this afternoon, and I've already arranged for someone to pick them up."
"Okay." Jiang Yu thought for a moment, "Has the guest list for tonight's welcome dinner been confirmed?"
"Confirmed." Wang Wei opened the folder. "The final list has been sent by the Music Emperor. In addition to the core members of the production team, they've also invited people from the Hong Kong entertainment circle—well, almost all the big names. President Yang has gone all out this time, wanting to make it a big event."
Jiang Yu took the list and glanced at it, raising an eyebrow: "Wow, this lineup—half of the Hong Kong entertainment circle has been invited. China Hing, Huan Ya, Edko Films, Leung Choi-wai, Lau Ka-ling, Andy Lau, Cheung Ka-fai, Kwok Fu-cheng, Tsui Hark,..."
Wang Jin....."
"Mr. Yang said that this time we want to showcase the collaborative strength of the Hong Kong entertainment circle, Light Chaser Animation, and the Hollywood team," Wang Wei said. "So the scale has to be huge."
"Okay." Jiang Yu handed the list back to her. "Tell Jiang Xuerou to get ready. We might have a lot to discuss tonight."
"clear."
At 9:50 a.m., Jiang Yu and Liu Yifei went downstairs to the hotel lobby to wait.
The sofas in the lobby were already occupied by many people, including Jiang Xuerou, Wen Muye, several members of the production team, and Huo Wenxi from Yinhuang.
Huo Wenxi wore a dark blue business suit today, with exquisite makeup and her hair neatly combed back.
Upon seeing Jiang Yu, she immediately stood up: "Good morning, Mr. Jiang, Ms. Liu."
"Good morning, Director Huo." Jiang Yu nodded. "Thank you for coming so early."
"Of course," Huo Wenxi smiled. "Director Besson will arrive at ten o'clock sharp, and I've already arranged for a car to wait at the entrance. Also, the banquet tonight is all prepared, so please don't worry."
"With Director Huo here, of course I feel at ease," Jiang Yu said politely.
At exactly 10:00 AM, a black Bentley Mulsanne pulled up in front of the hotel.
The car door opened, and Luc Besson got out.
He was dressed casually today, in a dark blue work jacket, khaki casual pants, white sneakers, and a black backpack. He didn't look like an international director; he looked more like a university professor on vacation.
"Luc!" Jiang Yu stepped forward to shake hands. "Welcome to Hong Kong! Was your journey tiring?"
"Jiang, long time no see!" Luc Besson greeted him warmly, shaking his hand firmly. "The flight went smoothly, just jet lag was a bit of a problem. Ms. Liu, it's nice to see you again?"
He turned to Liu Yifei, his eyes lighting up, "She's even more beautiful than she was in Beijing last time."
"Hello, Director Besson," Liu Yifei greeted him in English, behaving very politely. "Welcome to China."
"Thank you," Luc Besson said with a smile.
The group went upstairs and sat down in the living room of Jiang Yu's suite.
The living room was spacious, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic view of Victoria Harbour. A waiter brought coffee and tea, and the meeting officially began.
Luc Besson's assistant took the script and storyboard from his bag and spread them out on the coffee table.
The script was in English, and the cover said "LUCY" with "Final Draft" in smaller print.
"The story of *Lucy* is simple, but its core is profound," Luc Besson began, his English tinged with a French accent. "An ordinary Chinese girl named Lucy, while studying in Hong Kong, is forced to become a human transport for drug dealers. When the drug packaging breaks, the drugs enter her bloodstream, unexpectedly activating the potential in her brain."
As her brain development progressed—10%, 20%, 50%, 90%—she gained superpowers, ultimately becoming a being beyond human comprehension.
He looked at Liu Yifei: "Ms. Liu, your challenge lies in portraying the character's transformation process. From an ordinary person to a superhuman, from fear to acceptance, from confusion to awakening. Especially after her brain is developed to 50%, she begins to lose human emotions. This transformation needs to be subtle and layered."
Liu Yifei listened attentively, occasionally taking notes in her notebook.
"We'll discuss the specific performance details when rehearsals begin tomorrow." Luc Besson turned to Jiang Yu. "Jiang, the filming period is three and a half months, mainly in Hong Kong and Thailand, with some scenes reshot in Paris and Los Angeles. Regarding the budget—"
"Don't worry about the budget," Jiang Yu said. "I've already instructed the finance department that the necessary funds for filming will be in place promptly. Also, the visual effects will be handled by Light & Shadow Digital, and their technical team will arrive in Hong Kong next Monday. Wen Muye..."
He looked at the young director sitting in the corner and said, "You'll be learning from Besson's team this time. Observe, ask questions, and take notes. The lighting and digital technology team will also be here. You need to understand the entire process of special effects production."
Wen Muye immediately stood up: "Understood, President Jiang! I will definitely study hard!"
Luc Besson glanced at Wen Muye and nodded: "It's a good thing that young people are ambitious. My team is very open; you can ask questions anytime."
"Thank you, Director!" Wen Muye was so excited that his face turned red.
The meeting lasted for an hour.
After the event, Luc Besson went to his room to rest and adjust to the time difference, while Jiang Yu began preparing lunch for Lin Jianyue.
Noon, at the Chinese restaurant of the Ritz-Carlton.
Lin Jianyue was already there. He was wearing a light gray suit and looked very relaxed.
"President Jiang, welcome, welcome." Lin Jianyue stood up and shook hands. "Please have a seat."
"Mr. Lin, you're too kind." Jiang Yu sat down. "Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule."
"Don't mention it, it's my honor to have dinner with President Jiang." Lin Jianyue smiled sincerely. "Come on, let's order first. The Cantonese food here is very good. I recommend the roast goose and steamed grouper."
After ordering, Lin Jianyue got straight to the point: "President Jiang, I won't beat around the bush. Huanya wants to establish a joint venture with Light Chaser Animation to specialize in developing co-productions. We'll provide the team, distribution channels, and local experience, while you'll provide the funding and the North American distribution network. Equity is negotiable; a 50/50 or 40/60 split is fine."
This proposal is bold and direct.
Jiang Yu took a sip of tea and thought for a moment: "President Lin, a joint venture is a good idea, but how to operate it requires detailed planning. How about you have your team prepare a plan, including the equity structure, management structure, and project planning?"
Profit sharing, risk control, etc. We'll discuss these in detail next time we meet.
"Great!" Lin Jianyue was delighted. "I'll get someone to do it as soon as I get back! Mr. Jiang, to be honest, the Hong Kong film market has shrunk drastically in recent years. We want to expand overseas, but we lack the channels. Light Chaser has its own company and distribution network in North America, which is exactly what we need."
"We need each other." Jiang Yu nodded. "For Chinese films to go global, they need more cooperation. Huanya has a strong presence in Hong Kong and Asia, which is something Light Chaser Films needs."
The meal lasted two hours, and the conversation was very congenial.
Lin Jianyue, as expected of a seasoned veteran, has a profound understanding of the film industry, and many of his ideas coincide with Jiang Yu's.
At 2 PM, Liu Yifei attended a script reading session in the hotel conference room.
Besides her, there's Luc Besson, the assistant director, the screenwriter, and several actors playing the main roles.
Jiang Yu did not attend; he was handling work in his suite.
Wang Wei and Jiang Xuerou went in and out, reporting on various situations.
At 4 p.m., news of Luc Besson's arrival in Hong Kong went viral in Hong Kong media circles.
The arrival of this internationally renowned director has once again boosted the popularity of "Lucy".
Entertainment news on major television stations was reporting on it, and paparazzi surrounded the Peninsula Hotel.
At 6 p.m., the banquet hall on the third floor of the Peninsula Hotel was ready.
Huo Wenxi had been busy here since the afternoon, directing the staff to conduct the final checks.
"Turn the lights up a bit! Change the flowers on the main table to white lilies!"
"Have the tableware been checked? There can't be a single water stain!"
"The reporters' area is over there, separated by red ropes, so they can't wander around!"
"Are the security personnel in place? Has the list been verified?"
The entire banquet hall was decorated in a luxurious yet stylish manner, with crystal chandeliers emitting a soft glow, and long tables covered with white tablecloths, exquisite silver cutlery, and fresh flowers.
On the backdrop of the main stage was the movie poster for "Lucy," featuring Liu Yifei's profile with a determined gaze against a futuristic cityscape at night.
The poster reads "Welcome to the 'Lucy' crew" in both Chinese and English at the bottom.
At 6:30 p.m., guests began to enter the venue one after another.
The King of Pop really went all out this time, inviting almost half of the Hong Kong entertainment industry.
The first group to be reached was the directors.
Xu Ke was dressed in a black Zhongshan suit, his hair was neatly combed, and he had the air of a master.
Chan Mu-shing and Yip Wai-shun arrived together; both are representative figures of Hong Kong action films.
Wang Jin was dressed casually in a floral shirt and jeans. As soon as he came in, he greeted acquaintances with loud laughter.
Next up is the acting circle.
Leung Choi-wai and Lau Ka-ling arrived together, both dressed very casually, yet exuding superstar aura.
Andy Lau arrived shortly after, wearing a dark blue suit and sporting his signature smile.
Zhang Jiahui, Guo Fucheng, Zheng Xiuwen, Yang Qianhua, Chen Huilin — familiar names and faces.
The bigwigs in the production industry will arrive a little later.
The couple dressed very formally. Xiang Huaqiang wore a black Tang suit, while his wife, Chen Lan, wore a Chanel suit and carried a Hermès bag.
Lin Jianyue, Jiang Ziqiang, General Manager Yang, Lin Xiaoming, Li Guoxing — these bigwigs who control the lifeline of Hong Kong cinema arrived one after another.
Also included were executives from major film companies, renowned producers, film critics, and media editors-in-chief.
The entire banquet hall was dazzling with stars, filled with clinking glasses and lively conversation.
Waiters carrying champagne and red wine weaved through the crowd, while a live band played soothing jazz music.
At 7 p.m., Jiang Yu and his group came downstairs.
He wore a dark blue custom-made shirt today, with the top button undone, giving him a casual yet confident look.
Liu Yifei wore a light purple strapless dress, a Chanel haute couture piece, with tiny rhinestones adorning the hem.
Her hair was styled in an updo, and she wore a pair of diamond earrings, looking as elegant as a princess.
Beside them were Luc Besson, Brian Jack (a producer sent by Fox), Jiang Xuerou, and Wen Muye and several young producers following behind.
Huo Wenxi personally greeted them at the door: "President Jiang, Ms. Liu, Director Besson, Mr. Brian, welcome, welcome! Please come in!"
As the group entered the banquet hall, the previously noisy venue instantly fell silent, and everyone's attention turned to them.
Then, applause broke out.
Mr. Yang immediately stood up to greet him: "Mr. Jiang! Director Besson! Welcome, welcome!"
He personally led the group to the main table.
The main table, a huge round table that can seat twenty people, is located directly in front of the stage.
Jiang Yu was seated in the main seat, with Luc Besson to his left and Liu Yifei to his right.
Brian, Wen Muye, Jiang Xuerou, General Manager Yang, Xiang Huaqiang, Lin Jianyue, Jiang Ziqiang and others were all sitting at this table.
After Jiang Yu took his seat, he glanced around the room.
Just as he predicted, half of Hong Kong's entertainment circle came.
The celebrities who are usually only seen in movies are now looking at him with either curiosity or flattery.
He turned his head slightly and whispered to Liu Yifei beside him, "The Hong Kong entertainment circle is strictly hierarchical, comparable to the Korean entertainment industry, and just as chaotic. Be careful, especially the girls, don't go out alone. If you see anything suspicious, contact our people immediately."
Liu Yifei whispered, "I'll be careful. Sister Li and Xiao Chen will stay with me."
The banquet officially started.
When Mr. Yang took the stage to give a speech, he was dressed very formally today, in a black suit, a red bow tie, and his hair was slicked back.
"Good evening, distinguished guests!" His voice resonated throughout the hall through the microphone. "Today, we gather here to welcome Mr. Jiang Yu and Ms. Liu Yifei from the Mainland, Director Luc Besson from France, and Mr. Brian Jack from the United States! The film *Lucy* is a powerful collaboration between Light Chaser Animation, Fox Film Corporation, and EuropaCorp, and it represents an important step for the Hong Kong film industry to integrate with the international market!"
He paused, then continued, "It's an honor for Sound Emperor to participate in this project and be responsible for distribution in Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia. This is a sign of trust placed in us, and also a test. I believe that under the leadership of General Manager Jiang, the direction of Director Besson, and the efforts of Ms. Liu and the entire cast and crew, *Lucy* will be a huge success! Let's raise a glass and wish the film a smooth production and a box office hit!"
Everyone raised their glasses, and Jiang Yu also stood up and raised his glass in a toast.
Next, Luc Besson spoke.
He spoke in French, which was then translated into English: "Thank you for your hospitality, Mr. Sound. Hong Kong is a vibrant city, and I look forward to filming here. Ms. Liu Yifei is a very talented actress, and I see in her the resilience and wisdom needed for the role of Lucy. I believe she will bring a unique charm to the character. Thank you everyone."
Liu Yifei also went on stage and said a few words, "Thank you to director Besson for his trust, and thank you to President Jiang and Light Chaser Pictures for giving me this opportunity. This is my third time acting in a Hollywood film, and I will do my best to live up to everyone's expectations. Thank you."
Her speech was brief but sincere, and it won a round of applause.
After the opening remarks, the banquet officially began.
The waiters began serving the dishes: lobster salad, abalone and fish maw soup, steamed grouper, roasted pigeon, black truffle fried rice—one exquisite dish after another was brought out.
The atmosphere at the main table was very lively.
Both Brian and Luc Besson are seasoned veterans who handle such situations with ease.
They have a somewhat condescending attitude towards people in the Hong Kong film industry, after all, Hollywood has always had a sense of superiority over the Hong Kong film industry.
He was exceptionally respectful to Jiang Yu, this young Chinese tycoon who was not only rich but also had vision and courage, and was well-connected in Hollywood.
"Jiang, your moves in North America have been brilliant," Brian said, raising his glass. "Bringing in Disney, Warner Bros., and Fox as shareholders was a brilliant move. Now Hollywood is talking about you, calling you a magician from the East."
"Just lucky," Jiang Yu said modestly. "We just happened to catch a good opportunity."
"It's not luck, it's vision," Luc Besson said. "I've seen Light Chaser's films, like *The Witch* and *Twilight*, and they're all of very high quality. The unique blend of Eastern aesthetics and modern narrative is particularly stunning. That's exactly what Hollywood lacks."
"Thank you for the compliment." Jiang Yu smiled. "That's also why we chose to work with you. You have both business acumen and artistic aspirations. Your films are never just simple popcorn blockbusters."
While they were chatting animatedly on one side, they weren't idle on the other either.
Jiang Xuerou was pulled aside by Chen Jia, chairman of the Hong Kong Film Awards: "Ms. Jiang, how's the filming of 'The Man from Nowhere' going? I heard it's almost wrapped up?"
"It'll be finished soon, filming will wrap up at the end of the month," Jiang Xuerou said. "Director Lu Yang put a lot of effort into it, and the action scenes were very well done."
We plan to release it during the Lunar New Year holiday season.
"That's great." Gordon Chan smiled. "We'd like to invite 'The Man from Nowhere' to be nominated for next year's Hong Kong Film Awards."
What is General Jiang's opinion?
"It's our honor," Jiang Xuerou said. "We'll discuss the specifics later."
On the other side, Xiang Huaqiang and General Manager Yang were talking in hushed tones.
"This Jiang Yu is no ordinary person," Xiang Huaqiang said. "He's so young, yet he has such a strong presence. Look at how Brian and Luc Besson treat him; that's not an act."
"Yes," President Yang nodded. "Light Chaser alone is valued at $40 billion in North America, and Jiang Yu holds more than 51% of the shares, which is over $20 billion. Moreover, he's only 26 years old, and his future is limitless. If 'Lucy' is a success, his position in Hollywood will be even more secure."
"So we need to seize the opportunity," Xiang Huaqiang said. "Do you think he's willing to invest in that project?"
"It's difficult." General Manager Yang shook his head. "Jiang Yu is very shrewd, not the kind of wealthy mainland businessman who's easily fooled. He can definitely tell that your project budget is inflated. He brought so many people with him today, he's obviously prepared. Look at Wen Muye, he's been taking notes the whole time, he's definitely studying Hollywood's production process. Bosses like that aren't easy to fool."
Xiang Huaqiang sighed, "Let's think of another way. If all else fails, we'll cut the budget."
Cheng Long arrived in a hurry halfway through the banquet.
He went straight to the head table as soon as he entered: "President Jiang! I'm so sorry, I just rushed over from the film set, there was a traffic jam on the way!"
Cheng Long wore a red Tang suit today and looked very energetic.
He picked up a glass of wine: "Mr. Jiang, let me toast you! Thank you for giving me the opportunity to act in '2012,' I learned a lot!"
"Brother Long, you're too kind." Jiang Yu stood up. "It was your excellent acting. Cheers!"
The two drank it all in one gulp.
Jackie Chan then turned to Liu Yifei: "Yifei, congratulations! You're starring in another Hollywood blockbuster, amazing! If you need any help, just ask! I know Hong Kong well; if you need a stunt double or action choreographer for your action scenes, I'll find you the best!"
"Thank you, Brother Long." Liu Yifei smiled. "I'll definitely need your help if I need anything."
Cheng Long's arrival caused another small climax in the banquet hall. Many people gathered around to greet him, and he greeted them all without hesitation.
The atmosphere grew increasingly lively.
After a few rounds of drinks, many people were slightly tipsy.
Some discordant sounds began to emerge in the meeting room: some people were shouting loudly, some were physically abusive, and some were pretending to be drunk.
Jiang Yu frowned.
He noticed that several young actresses were being surrounded by older men who were pouring them drinks, and although they were smiling, their eyes were full of reluctance.
Several middle-aged men started to get restless, taking the opportunity of toasting to touch their female companions' waists or hands.
"The atmosphere in Hong Kong's entertainment circle hasn't changed," he whispered to Jiang Xuerou.
"Yes," Jiang Xuerou sighed, "especially in these kinds of situations, some people always act recklessly when drunk. I've already asked my assistant to keep an eye on things and deal with any issues. But—some girls are afraid to stand up for themselves, afraid of offending someone."
Just then, a scream came from the side.
All eyes turned to them.
A young girl in a white dress was seen backing away, while a middle-aged man, his face flushed from drinking, reached out to pull her back.
That man was Zeng Ziwei.
He was wearing a floral shirt today, with the collar open, revealing a gold chain around his neck. He was already quite drunk and was staggering as he walked.
"Mr. Zeng, please have some self-respect!" The girl's voice was choked with sobs. It was Jiang Jing, Wang Wei's assistant, a young woman in her early twenties who was in charge of coordination today.
Zeng Ziwei was already quite drunk and couldn't listen to anything.
He grabbed Jiang Jing's wrist: "Stop pretending! We come to this kind of event to meet people, don't we?"
"What's wrong with having a drink with your brother? He'll teach you acting!"
Jiang Jing struggled fiercely, but Zeng Ziwei's hand gripped her firmly like an iron clamp.
Some people nearby couldn't stand it and tried to step forward to stop them, but Zeng Ziwei glared at them and said, "What are you looking at! Haven't you ever seen drinking before? Get out of my way!"
At this moment, the wine glass in Jiang Jing's hand was knocked over, and the wine spilled all over the ground, with a few drops splashing onto Zeng Ziwei's shoes.
Zeng Ziwei got even more excited, and his other hand started to wander, reaching for Jiang Jing's waist.
"Snapped!"
A crisp slap.
Everyone was stunned.
It was Wang Wei who made the move. She had been coordinating work nearby, and when she saw that things were not going well, she immediately rushed over and slapped Zeng Ziwei without hesitation.
"Mr. Zeng, please let go!" Wang Wei stood in front of Jiang Jing, her face icy. "This is a public place, please watch your behavior!"
Zeng Ziwei was stunned by the slap, but quickly recovered and flew into a rage: "Who the hell are you! How dare you hit me!"
His face turned bright red, and he raised his hand to strike back.
The moment I raised my hand, it was grabbed by a hand as strong as an iron clamp.
It's Liu Wu.
Jiang Yu's bodyguard captain, a retired special forces soldier, was 1.85 meters tall, muscular, wearing a black suit and a headset, standing like a wall in front of Wang Wei and Jiang Jing.
"Sir, please have some self-respect." Liu Wu's voice was calm, but the force in his hand made Zeng Ziwei wince in pain.
"You—you let go!" Zeng Ziwei struggled. "Do you know who I am?! I am Zeng Ziwei!"
"I don't care who you are," Liu Wu said.
The commotion here has already attracted the attention of everyone present.
The music stopped, the conversation stopped, and everyone looked in their direction.
At the main table, General Manager Yang's face was ashen; Xiang Huaqiang, Lin Jianyue, and others also looked embarrassed.
Jiang Yu put down his wine glass and slowly stood up.
His movements were slow, each step feeling like stepping on a person's heartbeat.
He walked up to Zeng Ziwei, his eyes as cold as ice.
"Mr. Zeng, causing trouble at my welcome banquet is a disrespectful act!"
His voice wasn't loud, and the entire banquet hall fell silent; you could hear even his breathing.
Although Zeng Ziwei was drunk, he sobered up a bit after seeing Jiang Yu's eyes.
He said awkwardly, "Mr. Jiang, it's a misunderstanding, all a misunderstanding. I was just joking with the young lady—just joking—"
"A joke?" Jiang Yu sneered. "Using physical violence is a joke? Then I'll joke with you too."
He turned to Liu Wu, his tone calm but unquestionable: "Liu Wu, tell him to remember that some jokes are not to be made."
""
These words exploded like a bomb in the banquet hall.
Everyone gasped in shock. His hand was ruined? In this setting? In front of so many people?
Zeng Ziwei's face turned deathly pale, and his legs went weak: "President Jiang! President Jiang! I was wrong! I was really wrong! I drank too much! I apologize! I apologize!"
It's too late.
Liu Wu applied force with his hands, his movements clean and efficient.
With a "crack," Zeng Ziwei's right wrist was bent.
"Ah!!!" Zeng Ziwei let out a pig-like scream, collapsed to the ground, and rolled around in pain, clutching his wrist.
The entire banquet hall was deathly silent.
Everyone was stunned; some even instinctively covered their mouths. They hadn't expected this young, wealthy man from the mainland to be so ruthless, showing absolutely no mercy.
Zeng Ziwei was a well-known figure in the Hong Kong entertainment industry, yet his hand was crippled in public like that?
Mr. Yang was the first to react.
He rushed over and slapped Zeng Ziwei, who was lying on the ground, several times across the face. The blows were heavy and the sound of the slaps was loud: "You bastard! You've disgraced me! Causing trouble in my place! You're tired of living!"
Then he turned to Jiang Yu and bowed deeply, sweat beading on his forehead: "President Jiang, I'm so sorry! I failed to manage the situation properly! I apologize to you! I apologize to this young lady!"
He then turned to Jiang Jing, "Miss, I'm so sorry you were frightened. Yin Huang will definitely make it up to you!"
Jiang Jing was still in shock, her face was pale, and she couldn't speak.
Wang Wei supported her and comforted her softly.
Jiang Yu's expression softened slightly, but his eyes remained icy: "This isn't your fault. Today, I only used one hand to teach him a lesson. If anyone dares to do this again, it won't just be a matter of one hand."
"Yes, yes, yes!" General Manager Yang nodded repeatedly. "I'll handle it immediately!"
He called over several security guards: "Drag him out! Take him to the hospital! Notify his company that he's not allowed to work on any of Yinhuang's future projects!"
The banquet hall remained silent.
Everyone looked at Jiang Yu with complex emotions: awe, fear, admiration, and dissatisfaction.
Jiang Yu glanced around and slowly began, "Everyone, today is a happy day. I don't want the atmosphere to be ruined by the inappropriate behavior of a few individuals. Let me make it clear here: in my film crew, on my set, respect for women is the most basic bottom line. Anyone who crosses that line, don't blame me for being impolite."
He paused, then continued, "Hong Kong cinema has a glorious history and much to learn from it. But it also has bad habits and areas that need to be changed. Only in this way can Chinese cinema truly go global."
After saying that, he returned to the head table, raised his glass, and said, "Come on, let's continue. Don't let a few people spoil the mood."
But the atmosphere can never be the same again.
For the rest of the time, everyone was very careful and dared not speak loudly.
Those old men who were just groping each other are now sitting properly, not even daring to drink too much.
Half an hour later, the banquet came to an abrupt end.
The guests left one after another, each with a complex expression.
Back in the suite, Liu Yifei was still shaken, her hands trembling: "That was terrifying. His hand really broke?"
"It's broken." Jiang Yu hugged her, feeling her trembling. "Don't be afraid, I'm here. People like this deserve to be taught a lesson."
"I'm not scared," Liu Yifei shook her head. "I just didn't expect Zeng Ziwei to do this? In front of so many people—and, aren't you being too—"
"Too ruthless?" Jiang Yu chimed in. "Yifei, do you know why the Hong Kong entertainment circle is so chaotic? It's because many people dare not speak out, which makes these old guys more and more arrogant. If I don't teach him a lesson today, there will be a second or third Jiang Jing victim tomorrow. Sometimes, violence is not the best solution, but it is definitely the most effective one."
Jiang Xuerou also came up, her face grave: "President Jiang, what happened earlier has already spread. The Hong Kong media will definitely make a big deal out of it. Moreover, Zeng Ziwei has extensive connections in Hong Kong, he certainly won't let this go."
"Let him come." Jiang Yu said indifferently. "I'll take this opportunity to establish some rules: on my turf, you have to abide by my rules. Let the Hong Kong media write what they want. I want to see which side public opinion is on."
Wang Wei brought Jiang Jing up.
Jiang Jing's eyes were still red, clearly she had been terrified, but she had calmed down a bit now.
"President Jiang, thank you so much." Jiang Jing bowed, her voice still trembling slightly. "If it weren't for you and Sister Wang Wei—"
I really don't know what to do.
"You're welcome," Jiang Yu said. "You're one of my people, so protecting you is my duty. In the future, if you encounter something like this, don't be afraid, just fight back. The weaker you are, the more they'll take advantage of you."
"I understand." Jiang Jing nodded. "But—I'm afraid it might cause trouble for the company."
"Trouble?" Jiang Yu laughed. "They're the ones who should be worried about trouble. You get some rest; you're off tomorrow. Wang Wei, give Jiang Jing double her bonus this month."
"Okay, boss."
After Jiang Jing left, Liu Yifei asked in a low voice, "Will she face retaliation?"
"No," Jiang Yu said confidently. "I'll talk to General Manager Yang tomorrow and ask him to look after things. Also, I'll have the legal department prepare the indictment materials to sue Zeng Zi for sexual harassment. This matter needs to be resolved."
Sure enough, less than an hour later, Hong Kong media broke the news.
Oriental Daily News Online Edition: "Zengzi Acts Indecently at a Banquet, Mainland Tycoon Breaks His Wrist on the Spot! Eyewitness Recounts Horrifying Scene"
Pingguo Daily APP push: "Jiang Yu stands up for his female assistant, Zeng Ziwei suffers a brutal attack! Hong Kong entertainment bigwigs remain silent."
Ming Pao online edition: "Banquet scandal reflects bad habits in Hong Kong's entertainment circle; mainland elites forcefully set rules."
The Hong Kong Star Daily website headline reads: "Jiang Yu makes an example of someone, causing an earthquake in Hong Kong's entertainment circle! Zeng Ziwei was rushed to the hospital overnight."
The news quickly reached the mainland.
At 10 PM, related topics instantly became trending searches on Baidu:
Jiang Yu cut off Zeng Zi's manpower in Hong Kong and Zeng Zi was taught a lesson for acting like a hooligan. Who is Jiang Jing? Comments overwhelmingly support Jiang Yu: "CEO Jiang is awesome! Well done!"
"Zeng Zi deserves it! Someone should have taught him a lesson long ago! His reputation in the industry is already ruined!"
"Support Jiang Yu! This kind of old scoundrel deserves to be beaten! Well done!"
"The Hong Kong entertainment industry is really chaotic; it's not easy being an actress. I've heard there are a lot of unspoken rules involved."
"Jiang Yu is setting a precedent for all the scumbags in the entertainment industry! Thumbs up!"
"I'm a fan now! Boss Jiang is so manly! A great boss who protects his employees!"
"Is Miss Jiang Jing alright? I feel so sorry for her."
"This isn't the first time Zeng Ziwei has done this; actresses have previously revealed that they were harassed by him."
"It's time to clean up the entertainment industry in mainland China. Some directors and producers aren't good people either."
Of course, there were also a few dissenting voices, mainly from Hong Kong netizens: "Mainlanders are too arrogant. They dare to lay a hand on people in Hong Kong?"
"Zeng Zi was wrong, but did it deserve to have his hand cut off? That's too cruel."
"Who does Jiang Yu think he is? Does he even know the rules of Hong Kong?"
"Just because you're rich doesn't mean you can do whatever you want!"
At 11 p.m., General Manager Yang called, his tone very sincere: "President Jiang, I apologize again for what happened today. I've already dealt with Zeng Ziwei's situation. I've had his company send him back to Taiwan to recuperate, and he won't be used for any more projects with Yinhuang. As for Ms. Jiang Jing, I will have the company compensate her and ensure she won't be harassed in any way."
"Thank you for your trouble, Mr. Yang," Jiang Yu said. "I hope this matter will be handled formally. Sexual harassment is no small matter; it cannot be left to chance."
"I understand," General Manager Yang said immediately. "I will have the company's legal department cooperate. We will file lawsuits where necessary and pay compensation where appropriate. On this matter, we will definitely stand with General Manager Jiang."
"Um."
After hanging up the phone, Jiang Yu went to the terrace.
Hong Kong's night view remains beautiful, with the lights of Victoria Harbour twinkling like stars.
Liu Yifei walked over, hugged him from behind, and pressed her face against his back: "What are you thinking about?"
"Think about this circle," Jiang Yu said. "Behind the glamorous facade, how much filth and depravity lies beneath? Zeng Ziwei has extensive connections in Hong Kong. By cutting off his hand, I'm essentially slapping the face of the entire old guard."
"I'm not afraid," Liu Yifei said firmly. "You did the right thing. If everyone stays silent, those bad people will only become more and more arrogant. Your standing up gives everyone courage."
Jiang Yu turned around and hugged her: "Thank you for understanding me."
Liu Yifei looked up at him, "Because you are Jiang Yu, the person I love. I support whatever decision you make. And—"
She laughed, "You were really cool just now. Especially when you said you'd cripple his hand, that aura you exuded stunned the entire room."
Jiang Yu laughed too: "Really? I was worried you'd think I was too violent."
"No violence," Liu Yifei shook her head, "It's about justice. For bad people, we must use swift and decisive measures."
Many people couldn't sleep that night.
Zeng Ziwei was screaming in pain in the hospital, cursing Jiang Yu a thousand times in his heart, but more than anything, he was filled with fear; the young man's eyes were terrifying.
Moreover, President Yang's attitude was very clear: Yin Huang would not protect him.
This time, he's really done for.
In his study, General Manager Yang held a meeting with several trusted confidants: "From now on, all personnel involved in any projects cooperating with Zhuiguang must be rigorously screened. In particular, those with criminal records must not be used at all. In addition, issue a statement immediately condemning Zeng Ziwei's behavior and supporting General Manager Jiang's decision. If we're going to take sides, we should take them completely."
Xiang Huaqiang sighed at home and said to Xiang Tai, "This Jiang Yu is not easy to deal with. Today, he not only established his authority but also won people's hearts. Look at those young actors, the way they look at him has changed."
This is the entertainment industry; this is reality.
Some were elated, some were disappointed, some cheered, and some cursed.
None of this mattered to Jiang Yu.
Importantly, starting today, there will be a new rule in the Lucy crew and in the Hong Kong film industry!
Whoever crosses the line will pay the price.
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