Chapter 1339: The Real Big Shot

No one would refuse the goodwill actively extended by a wealthy man.

Even the proudest star knows that compared to the power of wealth, their own fame amounts to nothing. Otherwise, why would that son of a billionaire, who eats hamburgers in big bites, dare to call himself the entertainment industry's disciplinary committee, lashing out at everyone and everything?

At the end of the day, isn't it because he has a good father?

If he were born into an ordinary family, even with several times the courage, he wouldn't dare to be so reckless. Did he really think the经纪 companies behind the stars were pushovers? An ordinary person who lashed out like that would have been sued into bankruptcy long ago.

This is no joke. Whether in China or in Japan and South Korea, once a star becomes famous, it involves more than just the star themselves.

Being a star's agent is lucrative, though the work pressure is immense. But for a company or the team of agents dedicated to a successful star, their importance is beyond doubt.

For example, if a star gets into trouble, the agent team is sure to take the blame. Losing their job is the least of it; word might spread that no one in the circle dares to hire them again. Even in the European and American model, where one agent team handles several artists, if one of their stars has an issue, the team's income plummets.

That's a digression. Back to the main topic.

After listening to Jiang Wen, Hong Sanmao immediately made up his mind.

Although he was a big shot in the Hong Kong entertainment industry, Hong Sanmao knew well that he might have some influence in Hong Kong, but in the mainland, he was nothing.

Having experienced the incidents with Xie Tingfeng and others, and seeing the decline of the Hong Kong film industry in recent years, insightful people like Hong Sanmao had clearly realized that the future of Hong Kong cinema was almost pitch black.

This wasn't a joke or alarmist talk; it was a solid fact.

So, his trip north was actually to pay respects and seek new opportunities.

Of course, these words could only be implied, not spoken outright. After all, Brother Sanmao was a man who faced outward even when shitting in the outhouse—he needed face. It was like Jackie Chan's sycophancy; there had to be a limit.

The entertainment industry, after all, is a place where you sell a persona.

"It's fine, I've pretty much wrapped up with my friends here. How about this: we open another room upstairs and wait over there?" Hong Sanmao said to Jiang Wen with almost eager enthusiasm.

Jiang Wen blinked, then laughed: "Alright, alright, let's do that."

By now, he had grown accustomed to the change in attitude people around him showed when mentioning Zhao Fusheng.

After all, a billionaire with assets over five hundred million US dollars was truly astonishing.

Not to mention, according to what Jiang Wen knew, Zhao Fusheng's wealth was still growing. Whether it was the internet companies he invested in, his advertising company, internet tech company, or Future Films, all were turning profits.

That was terrifying!

You see, a large conglomerate always has its weak points. No one is perfect, and no one can guarantee that every business venture will be profitable. But Zhao Fusheng's current projects were all making money.

If he hadn't seen it with his own eyes, Jiang Wen would have thought he was dreaming.

Soon, the partygoers noticed that the event's main figure, Hong Sanmao, had gone upstairs with a few people and Jiang Wen. Some who were clueless tried to follow but were stopped, told that Brother Sanmao had an important guest to receive and was taking a break.

An important guest?

Many found it strange. Who else was coming?

Quite a few people were already here—celebrities from Beijing's entertainment circle, especially from the film industry. Almost everyone who could come had come. Who else could be arriving that required a separate room to wait for them?

A few stars from Huayi exchanged knowing glances. Zhang Hanyu and You Yong stood together, looked at each other, and smiled.

"It should be that person coming," Zhang Hanyu said quietly to his friend.

You Yong frowned: "Not necessarily. That person usually doesn't have much connection with Hong Kong."

"Not entirely. Lau Andy and Leslie Cheung have a decent relationship with him. Besides, it's a gathering organized by Jiang Wen; it's normal for him to show up." Zhang Hanyu shrugged. "Although he doesn't like crowds, he's known for having a soft spot for the entertainment industry. Don't forget, his wife is an actress from the People's Art Theatre."

You Yong smiled in relief, then shook his head: "We really can't fathom the hobbies of the rich. Why would Miss Fan give up being a wealthy wife and prefer acting?"

"It's a hobby," Zhang Hanyu laughed. "I worked with her on a film before. Honestly, she has no airs at all. She truly takes acting seriously, unlike those who just dabble."

He had previously acted in "A World Without Thieves" and worked with Fan Baobao. Though not close, he knew a bit about her.

At that moment, a figure appeared in their sight not far away.

Zhang Hanyu frowned: "I remember this young man is from the mainland, right?"

You Yong looked him over and nodded: "Seems like it. He was in some TV drama before, I forget which."

There were too many newcomers in the entertainment circle. Even old-timers like them couldn't keep track, let alone these new faces.

"Looks like a martial arts actor," Zhang Hanyu said, tilting his head in thought.

Just a martial arts actor, and a young one at that. They weren't particularly concerned. They themselves were just supporting actors; why bother worrying about others?

...

...

"A-Jing, you're from the mainland. Do you know the Future Group?" Zhou Zhaolong, sitting next to the young man, put his arm around his shoulder and asked quietly.

"Brother Long, I'm not too sure either. I just know it's a very powerful company in China," said the young man named A-Jing, who looked about twenty-four or twenty-five. He even seemed a bit nervous when asked by Zhou Zhaolong.

"It's nothing, just asking," Zhou Zhaolong nodded and said no more.

Just then, someone came down from upstairs—it was Hong Sanmao's assistant. He walked over to Zhou Zhaolong and said to him and the young man: "Brother Long, Brother Sanmao wants you and A-Jing to go upstairs."

Zhou Zhaolong was startled, a bit surprised. It was normal for his master to call him up, but A-Jing had only recently joined the Hong Family Troupe. Why was he suddenly so valued?

What was going on?