Huayu Entertainment 1995 started with hijacking.

Chapter 228 New Year's Surprise

The two, bundled up tightly, entered the movie theater and found it almost full. After they sat down, the people around them were all talking.

"Not only are there Hong Kong stars like Lau Tak-wah and Leung Chiu-wai, but the female lead is Li Xiaoran!"

Upon hearing this, Li Xiaoran took off her hat, revealing her smiling eyes, and Wu Yuchen also smiled and ruffled her hair.

The two of them came to see "Infernal Affairs" together, partly to relive the feeling of going on a date and watching a movie, and partly because Li Xiaoran played the role of psychologist Li Xin'er in "Infernal Affairs".

In the previous life, this role was played by Kelly Chen, and it was actually quite good. However, Kelly Chen and Wu Yuchen had no connection, so the role was simply given to Li Xiaoran. She already had some fame in Hong Kong and Taiwan, so playing this kind of role was naturally no problem for her.

After the movie theater lights went out, Li Xiaoran, who had been feeling cooped up for a while, took off her scarf and mask and let out a long breath. However, afraid that the people next to her would notice, she simply snuggled into Wu Yuchen's arms and leaned against his chest to adjust her angle to watch.

The movie opens with scenes of the two main characters in their youth: Wu Yanzu, who is burning incense and praying to Buddha in a temple with Han Chen, and Huang Xiaoming, who has been selected from the police academy.

That's right, the actors who played the two main characters in their youth are different from the original. The original used cinematographer Edison Chen and Shawn Yue, while this time Wu Yuchen personally selected Wu Yanzu and Huang Xiaoming. To be honest, Wu Yanzu and Huang Xiaoming are already more famous than Edison Chen and Shawn Yue. Even if the production team had to choose themselves, they would still use the two of them. There's absolutely no objection to that.

Wu Yuchen chose them for the sake of preparing for "Infernal Affairs 2". With his foresight, he knew that "Infernal Affairs" would be a huge success, and that the prequel "Infernal Affairs 2" would be produced. In that case, the two young men, Wu Yanzu and Huang Xiaoming, would naturally have to take on the leading roles.

The pace of "Infernal Affairs" is fast, and the audience's hearts are closely followed by the plot.

“I had no choice before, but now I want to be a good person.” Hearing this, many viewers felt sympathy for Liu Dehua, and the rooftop duel between the two created a very high-class atmosphere.

When the police officer Big B, played by Lam Ka-tung, arrived, most viewers felt that the ending was pretty much over: Lau Tak-wah was sent to prison, and Leung Chiu-wai went from darkness to light, which was how most movies had been written before.

However, what happened next was completely unexpected. The moment Leung Chiu-wai stepped into the elevator, a gunshot rang out. Not only were there shocks in the eyes of Leung Chiu-wai and Lau Tak-wa on the screen, but all the audience members in the theater were also shocked!

Big B was actually an undercover agent! The main character, Leung Chiu-wai, was killed by this seemingly insignificant guy!

This movie is completely unpredictable from beginning to end, and the plot is so unpredictable that even the male lead has died!

But that wasn't the end of it. After the elevator doors closed, several more gunshots rang out, and Big B was seen falling down, riddled with bullets. This series of unexpected events and reversals stunned all the viewers, leaving them deeply shocked. The film ended precisely at this moment, with all the police officers at the elevator entrance pointing their guns at Andy Lau.

Many viewers felt it took them a while to recover from the shock. After watching the film, they were deeply moved and felt the excitement of seeing a classic movie. This movie is truly amazing!
Some people were still savoring the plot of the movie they had just watched. The entire film was tense and exciting, and now, reflecting on it, they felt unexpected and wanted more, even having the urge to watch it again. They immediately said to their friends:

"As expected of Director Wu, an internationally renowned director, this is such a wonderful Hong Kong film. It's the most awesome Hong Kong police and gangster film I've ever seen!"

"It lives up to its reputation, it truly lives up to its reputation!"

"The acting was excellent, and the filming was great too. Wu Yuchen's skills are undeniable! I even saw his name listed among the screenwriters. He's truly amazing!"

At this moment, Li Xiaoran was still nestled in Wu Yuchen's arms. Listening to the people around her praising Wu Yuchen, she couldn't help but gently poke him with her finger and asked with a smile, "A big director who has never been to the film crew, so many people are praising you, aren't you ashamed?"

"What's the big deal? Although I wasn't on set, I still gave a lot of advice on the script, filming, and editing." Wu Yuchen said as he put a mask and a scarf on Li Xiaoran.

Meanwhile, thousands of miles away on Hong Kong Island, a group of veteran movie fans and filmmakers were not only shocked after watching "Infernal Affairs," but also trembled with excitement.

"What a masterpiece!"

"A classic! Absolutely the pinnacle of crime films!"

"Perfect! Impeccable! Unparalleled!"

Hong Kong cinema has been declining year after year in recent years. Jackie Chan and Chow Yun-fat, two of the "Two Chows and One Jackie" trio, have both gone to Hollywood, and Stephen Chow didn't have any movies last year. In the past two years, Hong Kong cinema has been flooded with various romance movies. Apart from romance and horror movies, all other film genres are declining, and the golden age of Hong Kong cinema is completely gone.

However, "Infernal Affairs" allowed people to rediscover the classic charm of Hong Kong films!

How could it not be a classic? "Infernal Affairs" is hailed as the savior of Hong Kong films and is even regarded by many Hong Kong film enthusiasts as the number one masterpiece among Hong Kong films.

"Wu Yuchen, the top Chinese director, is truly sharp!"

"Yeah, I didn't expect him to be so good at making Hong Kong films!"

"He doesn't seem to be the director?"

"Nonsense! Tsui Hark wasn't the director of 'A Chinese Ghost Story,' 'Swordsman II,' or 'New Dragon Gate Inn.' You dare say these aren't Tsui Hark's works?"

Some quick-reacting media outlets have already started chanting slogans:
"A landmark Hong Kong film!"

"A masterpiece of Hong Kong cinema as we enter the new century!"

"Wu Yuchen, together with three top film stars, has injected a powerful boost into the sluggish Hong Kong film market!"

No one found these media reports exaggerated this time, because the quality and status of "Infernal Affairs" truly deserved these accolades.

With Wu Yuchen, the first Chinese director, and three award-winning actors—Andy Lau, Tony Leung, and Tony Leung Ka-fai—"Infernal Affairs" was arguably the most anticipated film of this year's Spring Festival season. This combination of star power and high-quality production ensured its box office success upon release, creating a frenzy in both critical acclaim and box office performance.

Wu Yuchen didn't participate in the promotion of "Infernal Affairs." The film itself had a very luxurious cast, and as a co-production, it was being released during the Spring Festival. China Film Group and Miracle Films were handling the production, so there was no need for him, as the producer, to personally participate. Besides, he had been away from home for so long last year, and he didn't want to waste any more time on this. He just wanted to spend the New Year peacefully at home and go out to see a movie with Li Xiaoran.

Although he didn't promote it, it wouldn't be a problem for him to make a phone call to check on the box office: "Manager Yu, how's 'Infernal Affairs' doing?"

As the distribution manager of Miracle Films, Yu Dong was naturally involved in the mainland distribution of "Infernal Affairs," meaning he couldn't rest during the Chinese New Year.

"Excellent! Cinemas are packed today. I've compiled a list: tickets for tomorrow's movies at cinemas in prime locations are already sold out in advance. Even those in more remote areas have sold over 5% of their tickets. If we include those buying tickets at the cinema tomorrow, they'll definitely be sold out!"

Wu Yuchen smiled faintly upon hearing this; this situation was not unexpected.

"Thank you for your hard work, Manager Yu. You're even working overtime during the Chinese New Year!"

"Director Wu, you're too kind. This is all I should do!" Yu Dong laughed heartily.

After joining Miracle Films, he thrived in the distribution business thanks to the platform provided by Miracle Films. However, Yu Dong was also a restless person. He thought that he would work at Miracle Films for a while, accumulating money and connections while observing the situation. Once the policy allowed it in two years and he could obtain a distribution license, he would start his own film and television company.

Wu Yuchen could somewhat guess Yu Dong's thoughts. However, he didn't mind. The distribution framework of Miracle Films was already in place. Although each film release was done under the name of China Film Group, the distribution personnel from his own company had long been involved. And the foundation of Miracle Films lay with Wu Yuchen. As long as he was there, even if Yu Dong ran away, it wouldn't matter; the company would still operate smoothly.

……

"It broke 40 million in 3 days. My brother Wu gave me a surprise during the Chinese New Year!"

Han Sanping also called Wu Yuchen, his joy barely concealed. After all, domestic film box office revenue had plummeted in the past two years. Now that Han Sanping was in charge of China Film Group, he had to consider the development of the entire domestic film market. Therefore, every blockbuster film that could stimulate the market could make him happy for days.

This time, "Infernal Affairs," produced by Wu Yuchen, clearly made Han Sanping very happy during the New Year, giving him a hit at the start of 2001.

"Haha, I was just nominally involved this time and offered some suggestions," Wu Yuchen said modestly.

"Hey, you can't say that. Half the credit for this movie's success in China goes to you, Brother Wu! You can't underestimate your current appeal. I wish you would make more Chinese-language films every year!"

Wu Yuchen's heart skipped a beat upon hearing this; Han Sanping's words were loaded with meaning. He probably knew that Wu Yuchen was currently undertaking film projects in Hollywood and was afraid that Wu Baige would follow suit, settling down in Hollywood and looking down on Chinese-language films. After all, making a film requires the same amount of effort, but Hollywood films earn more and have greater prestige; a smart person would naturally know which to choose.

Wu Yuchen then smiled and expressed his opinion to Han Sanping:
"Don't worry, Brother Han, my roots are in China, and the Chinese-language film industry will definitely continue. I'm currently conceiving and planning my next Chinese-language film!"

Han Sanping was overjoyed upon hearing this: "Great! This is the happiest thing I've heard this Chinese New Year! Brother Wu, just tell us what you need, and we in the country will definitely cooperate with you!"

"Don't worry, Brother Han, I definitely won't hold back if there's anything I need."

"Haha, then I'll wait for your news, Brother Wu!"

After hanging up the phone, Wu Yuchen smiled. With his guarantee, he figured Han Sanping could have a good New Year.

...On the seventh day of the Lunar New Year, in Taiwan, a group of young people walked out of a movie theater arm in arm. One of them, with a mustache, was talking non-stop: "Wu Yuchen is really awesome! The movie 'Infernal Affairs' is really amazing!"

"Of course! He's the best director among Chinese people! I think all the actors in it performed amazingly, especially Tony Leung, his eyes are so captivating!"

The man with the mustache waved his hand and said confidently, "What do you know? Actors are just tools. The biggest credit for this film definitely goes to Wu Yuchen!"

As he spoke, he jumped right in front of his friend, then pointed his right hand at the young man's head, making a gun shape with it: "I'm a cop!"

Then he came over and hugged his friend, saying, "Isn't that super cool! If I could make a movie like this, my life would be complete!"

The young man he had hooked freed his hand and then joked:
"Alright, alright, Vincent Fang, this is the third time I've watched it with you. If you want to make movies, I suggest you just quit your job and go work for Director Wu, see if he'd be willing to take you in!"

Upon hearing this, Vincent Fang stroked his mustache and thought seriously, saying, "Jaylen, what you said seems to make a lot of sense!"

Actually, Vincent Fang's initial dream was not to be a lyricist, but to make movies. However, since he couldn't get into the film industry, he settled for writing lyrics.

He believes that movies tell stories through images, and if that doesn't work, words combined with music can also tell stories. So, in his spare time, he would write down whatever came to mind as lyrics. When he had accumulated 100 lyrics, he was recruited by Wu Zongxian into Alpha.

Fang Wenshan was initially full of hope when he was signed by Wu Zongxian's company. Although there was no signing bonus, no base salary, and no promises, Wu Zongxian was ultimately the only one who gave him a chance.

However, after a while, Fang Wenshan, who had been in society for many years, realized the reality. Wu Zongxian used the same trick to sign contracts with nearly 10 songwriters, including Jay Chou. Everyone wrote and submitted the same song together, and it was a competition to see who was the best.

In less than a year, 7 out of 10 people left, leaving only 3, including Vincent Fang and Jay Chou. At the time, one was a down-on-his-luck singer and the other a down-on-his-luck lyricist; both were penniless and lived together at the company.

But actually, the two of them didn't like each other at first.

Jay Chou thought Vincent Fang was from the countryside and very unsophisticated. He thought he looked more like a deliveryman than a songwriter. When they first met, Vincent Fang looked him up and down, which was very impolite.

Vincent Fang felt that Jay Chou was too young to join the company and acted like he didn't care about anyone. Who was he trying to impress? Moreover, after reading a piece of Jay Chou's music, he thought it was mediocre and that the guy was young, arrogant, incompetent, and conceited. So the two basically ignored each other.

However, during the process of producing a song for Wu Zongxian, the two felt that they had impressed each other.

Jay Chou felt that Vincent Fang's lyrics were truly skillful, instantly bringing the music to life and adding a lot to its appeal. Vincent Fang also felt that writing lyrics for Jay Chou's music was particularly enjoyable. It seems the two can inspire each other's creative passion, rather than simply completing a task.

Since then, the two have admired each other and gradually started communicating. After Jay Chou's first album was released last year and became a minor hit, both of them are now in better situations, especially Jay Chou.

The tall and handsome Liu Genghong standing beside the two asked Fang Wenshan:

"Hey, Vincent Fang, are you serious? Wu Yuchen is a top-tier director! With your qualifications, you won't even get to meet him! I think you should focus on writing lyrics first, and only pursue your movie dreams after you've gained some fame!"

Upon hearing this, Fang Wenshan couldn't help but feel a little discouraged, and sighed, "If only our company were a little white bear!"

The movie "Infernal Affairs" was produced by Little White Bear. Little White Bear doesn't just work in film and television; they also make music. F4 is from Little White Bear! If he worked at Little White Bear, it would be much easier for him to pursue his dream of making movies while working in the same company!

Thinking of this, Vincent Fang suddenly had a flash of inspiration, then clapped his hands and said, "That's right, why didn't I think of that before? I can write lyrics for F4! If I become F4's go-to lyricist, wouldn't I be able to directly join Little White Bear? Then I can ask F4 to recommend me for the film and television department, wouldn't that be much more convenient!"

Thinking of this, Fang Wenshan suddenly felt motivated again, as if he had a clear goal and direction on the road to pursuing his dream.

Jay Chou curled his lip and then said sarcastically, "Hey, you think F4 would even look at you? Who else would want to date you besides me?"

Fang Wenshan snorted and said, "Then I'll submit my work to F4 tomorrow, one song a week. I don't believe they won't accept me if I keep at it for three years!"

What he said caused a stir, but Jay Chou, who was standing next to him, panicked a little: "Hey, Vincent Fang, don't mess with me! You promised to write the lyrics for me first!"

Jay Chou is currently preparing his second album, and he wants Vincent Fang to write most of the lyrics. What will he do if that guy suddenly goes and writes lyrics for F4?

F4 is now a top Asian boy band, much more famous than Jay Chou. If they really set their sights on Vincent Fang, Jay Chou wouldn't stand a chance.

"Then beg me! If you beg me, I won't leave!" Fang Wenshan glanced at Jay Chou.

Jay Chou realized this guy was teasing him on purpose, so he shoved him and yelled, "Hey, you big idiot! Get the hell out of here!"

"Hey, you said that yourself, don't regret it later and beg me to come back!"

The group walked back noisily, chatting and laughing. Soon, their phones all beeped at the same time. When they picked them up, they saw that it was a message from Wu Zongxian.

After reading it, Jay Chou asked, "Hey, Brother Xian told us to come back to the company tomorrow to announce something. Do you guys know what's going on?"

Liu Genghong shook her head: "I don't know, it's the same here."

Fang Wenshan muttered under his breath, "Damn it, they won't even let us enjoy the New Year properly, we have to work overtime urgently, what unscrupulous capitalists!"

Just then, Jay Chou's phone rang. It was his boss, Wu Zongxian. He quickly answered, "Brother Xian, Happy New Year!"

Wu Zongxian's cheerful voice came from the other end of the phone: "Haha, Jielun, Happy New Year! Did you see the text message I just sent you?"

"Yes, Brother Xian, what's up?"

"Good news, you'll see when you come tomorrow! Oh, and if you see anyone else, tell them they absolutely must come tomorrow!"

After hanging up the phone, Jay Chou said to his two friends, "Brother Xian said we absolutely have to go tomorrow, he has some good news to announce."

Fang Wenshan waved his hand: "Just listen to what he says, don't take it seriously. He's a super stingy guy. I'd be grateful if he could give each of us a bag of fruit for the New Year!"

Jay Chou didn't respond to that. He joined the company shortly after graduation. Although being Wu Zongxian's assistant, doing odd jobs, and writing songs was quite tiring, Wu Zongxian eventually gave him the opportunity to release an album and become famous. He also appeared on many variety shows with Wu Zongxian, so he was still grateful to Brother Xian.

……

The following day, at Alpha Corporation, Jay Chou, Will Liu, Vincent Fang, Wen Lan, and others gathered at the company. After exchanging greetings, Wen Lan asked Jay Chou, "Jay, do you know what's going on?"

"I don't know, but Xian-ge said it's a good thing, and he seemed quite happy to hear that."

Just then, Wu Zongxian walked in, beaming with joy as he greeted everyone: "Happy New Year, everyone!"

"Happy New Year, Brother Xian!" they all greeted him.

"Wen Lan, you've become prettier! Did you secretly go to South Korea for plastic surgery?"

"Brother Xian, no way! I just put on some makeup~" Wen Lan retorted with a smile.

"Jaylen, you look radiant, did you get a girlfriend? Let me tell you, don't always act so cool and aloof. When we're on TV, you don't even know how to answer when girls talk to you. Be a little more sensible next time, or you might get tricked by girls!"

Jay Chou scratched his head after being told off.

"Geng Hong, I used to think you were a good idol and that you would debut. You're good-looking and have a great figure, but it's a pity that it's so hard to make you famous. But I know you. With your looks and self-disciplined personality, you'd be in high demand even if you became a fitness instructor!" He smiled and patted Liu Geng Hong on the shoulder.

"Fang Wenshan, you should stop doing those odd jobs like plumbing and electrical work. I think you're quite good at writing lyrics. If you keep writing, you might make a name for yourself."

Wu Zongxian's teasing of everyone surprised them; their boss usually wouldn't talk to them like this, and he even seemed to be saying things that revealed his true feelings. However, everyone could tell that Brother Xian was in a very good mood.

Then, Wu Zongxian added, "I've been training you guys for several years, and to be honest, I've grown quite attached to you all. If you ever have any minor issues in the future, feel free to come to me."

At this point, everyone sensed something was wrong. Wu Zongxian's words sounded like he was saying goodbye to them.
Wen Lan couldn't help but ask, "Brother Xian, what exactly did you call us here for today?"

Upon hearing this, Wu Zongxian chuckled and said, "Good news, good news! I've sold the company!"

(End of this chapter)