1982 Started from Hong Kong

Chapter 165 Meeting an old friend in a foreign land

Since Hollywood merged with the city of Los Angeles in 1910, the American film industry has gradually emerged.

By the 1960s, this place had become the holy land of dreams for countless young people. Every year, hundreds of young people fled here from all over the United States with dreams of making movies.

But sadly, most people end up becoming homeless people or small vendors in this city.

A small number of people have the opportunity to enter the lowest level of the entertainment industry, the pornography industry.

Only a very, very few people can achieve success, such as Sylvester Stallone at this time, and Brad Pitt in the future.

The early morning sun shines on this suburban town northwest of Los Angeles.

Pang Ka Yin followed the local customs and wore an Armani padded shoulder suit, which symbolized the feminist movement at the time, paired with a tight skirt, tights on her slender legs, and a pair of retro Converse sneakers on her feet.

She has a flat-top figure, and this outfit makes her look even more heroic.

Walking on the cobblestone pavement of the town's streets, Peng Jiayan, with a shoulder bag on her shoulder and a pocket recorder in her hand, visited the surrounding buildings and occasionally talked to herself into the recorder in her hand.

"When I was in school, I always thought Hollywood was just like Chiu's Clearwater Bay Studios, a much bigger studio. Now I know that Hollywood is actually a city, almost as big as Hong Kong Island."

"There are many film companies here. In addition to the eight major film companies, there are hundreds of other small and medium-sized film companies. This kind of thing is almost impossible to happen in Hong Kong. The film studios under the three major cinema chains, Zhao's, Jiahe and Silver Princess, may not even add up to ten."

"By the way, it shouldn't be called Zhao's Cinema Line now, it should be called 1024 Cinema Line. Zhai Yuan is quite capable. But the American film industry is very strange. There is a regulation called the Paramount Act, which does not allow cinema lines to have production companies or distribution companies under them. They say that this will allow big capital to connect all links in the industry, monopolize the market, and squeeze out small theaters and independent production companies. It sounds reasonable, but this situation is very common in Hong Kong. Zhai Yuan is now taking this path. I hope this bill will not affect him."

Peng Jiayan walked and stopped, and from time to time she stopped to take photos in front of some iconic buildings.

But judging from her route, she was not moving aimlessly, but was heading towards Century City.

After receiving the videotape sent by Zhai Yuan, Peng Jiayan contacted more than a dozen distribution companies within one day, including the Big Eight Pictures of America.

However, among the eight major film studios, seven rejected her outright after learning that she was Chinese...

Only the manager of Fox's film purchasing department gave her a chance to meet and sell her products. Perhaps it was because it was the only call she made that was answered by a female manager, and the other party was moved by her earnest words.

There are also several other small and medium-sized publishing companies that have made arrangements to meet with Pang Ka Yin.

But she still plans to try Forks first.

"It's eight o'clock. There's still more than an hour until the agreed meeting time. I have to go there early to leave a good impression on the other party."

After looking at the ladies' watch on her hand, Peng Jiayan stopped a taxi and asked the driver to take her to the Century City commercial district.

Yellow taxis driving on the street.

The black driver behind the wheel glanced through the rearview mirror at Peng Jiayan who was looking out the window, and quietly turned off the modified meter.

Forty minutes later, the taxi stopped at the designated location.

"Miss, here we are."

The black driver turned around and greeted Peng Jiayan.

"how much is it?"

Peng Jiayan communicated with the other party in English.

"Forty dollars, thank you."

"So expensive?"

Even though Peng Jiayan was used to spending money lavishly, she couldn't help but be shocked when she heard the price.

If it were in Hong Kong, this amount of money could buy a round trip from Hong Kong Island to the New Territories.

However, this college student who had not yet graduated was inexperienced and obviously did not notice the black driver's detour and turning off the meter.

In order not to embarrass the Chinese people overseas, Peng Jiayan not only paid the full fare, but also gave out a few cents as tips.

Pang Ka Yin, who was born in Hong Kong with a silver spoon in her mouth, does not seem to understand the saying that wealth should not be shown off.

When she paid, she habitually took out her wallet, revealing a stack of newly-changed US dollars inside.

Greed suddenly flashed in the black driver's eyes, and then he looked at Peng Jiayan with the same eyes as a fat sheep.

So, when Peng Jiayan got off the car.

The yellow taxi slowly followed her until Peng Jiayan walked into a building, and then the taxi found a spot nearby and stopped downstairs.

In the car, the black driver stared at the main entrance of the building, waiting for the fat Chinese sheep to appear again.

Starry sky building.

A steel and masonry clad skyscraper in the style of the Chicago School of Architecture.

This would later become Fox Square.

Coming to America, even Peng Jiayan, a rich girl who grew up in Hong Kong, couldn't help but feel curious and new.

She looked at the artistic sculptures that appeared every two steps in the building, as well as the glass display cases related to movies. She lingered in the lobby for five minutes before reluctantly getting on the elevator.

Nineteenth floor, Fox Film Studios.

"Hello, welcome to Forks, how can I help you?"

The receptionist at the front desk showed a standard eight-tooth smile, was enthusiastic and had a clear voice, which made Peng Jiayan feel like she was watching an American movie.

"I made an appointment with the manager of your company's film purchasing department three days ago."

Peng Jiayan showed a subtle smile and added: "Ms. Debbie, Rebecca Debbie."

The receptionist looked at her in surprise, but her smile remained the same: "What's your name?"

"Jayne."

Pang Chia-yin says her name at school.

"Ok, Miss Jayne."

The receptionist smiled but said with regret: "I'm sorry to inform you that Rebecca Debbie just resigned yesterday. The current manager of Fox's film acquisition department is Mr. Paul Williams."

What about Paul Williams?

Peng Jiayan was stunned and it took her a few seconds to react: "But I have already made an appointment with Miss Debbie, who is also the production manager. Can I meet Mr. Paul Williams?"

The receptionist showed a helpless smile, shrugged his shoulders and said, "Sorry~"

Peng Jiayan was dumbfounded.

How could it be such a coincidence that the manager changed right after I arrived? Was it an excuse to kick me out?
She pinched the videotape of "A Better Tomorrow" in her bag, and Zhai Yuan's cynical voice with a smile seemed to ring in her ears again.

"I don't trust the local offices of overseas distribution companies! This movie is very important to me, especially the North American market. You don't want to see me lose money and end up on the streets, do you, Sister Jiayan~"

Although it is known that Zhai Yuan has recovered the production cost of "A Better Tomorrow" just by the local box office in Hong Kong.

But Zhai Yuan took the initiative to find her, which made Peng Jiayan unconsciously take this matter to heart.

She thought, if I help Zhai Yuan secure the North American distribution before the overseas distribution company in Hong Kong, wouldn't that guy be so moved that he would cry when he gets back?
I contacted the eight major film companies and finally got a chance to meet, but now this is the result.

She was unwilling to let Peng Jiayan give up.

"Miss, could you please help me contact Mr. Paul Williams? I'll recommend the movie to him and then leave."

Pang Ka Yin has seen A Better Tomorrow and she feels that the quality of this film is very high and will definitely attract North American distribution companies.

The receptionist still smiled, but her words were unkind: "I'm sorry, Miss Jayne, I can't help you because you don't have an appointment."

"Then I'll wait here for him to come out!"

Peng Jiayan planned to stay here. She asked the receptionist: "I don't know Mr. Williams. If he walks out of here after get off work, please remind me."

The receptionist was about to refuse.

"Don't say anything yet." Peng Jiayan took out a few brand new US dollars from her bag, looked at her and said, "Just give me a little reminder at the right time."

The receptionist's eyes lit up, she looked around, quickly took the money from her hand, acted as if nothing had happened, and said, "Just wait and see what I tell you!"

At this moment, two staff members came out from Fox Company.

The two men each held a cardboard box in their arms and talked in low voices as they walked out.

"This new film acquisition manager is just like a miser. Doesn't he plan to buy independent films in the future?"

"It's just that the funds for acquiring foreign films have been reduced. I understand that the company is about to be acquired by media tycoon Rupert Murdoch. In the future, Fox will be a subsidiary of Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation. Many decisions must be approved by the other party."

"So the new film acquisition manager is also a high-level executive parachuted in from News Corporation? An old and ugly guy. I still miss Miss Debbie's time in the company."

The sound of conversation came from far away.

"Hi! Jenny~"

The two men came to the front desk carrying the cardboard boxes and greeted the receptionist.

One of them patted the cardboard box and winked at the receptionist: "How about we go to the movies after get off work? There are many movies here that you will never see in your life."

"Stop it, Andil." The receptionist rolled her eyes at him and said in surprise, "But then again, are there so many movies to be processed this time?"

The white man named Andil shrugged and said, "The company has changed hands, and they need to increase revenue and reduce expenditure. I think we should find a new owner as soon as possible. We may also be cut down one day."

During the conversation between the three people, Peng Jiayan, who was standing aside, subconsciously wanted to step back a few steps because she felt it was impolite to listen to others talking.

But his curious eyes unconsciously turned to the cardboard boxes in the arms of the two white men.

The cardboard box was filled with videotapes of various movies.

On a pile of packaging boxes with English labels, Peng Jiayan unexpectedly saw a string of familiar Chinese characters.

She squinted her eyes, saw more clearly, and a look of surprise appeared on her face.

On the top layer of the cardboard box held by the white man Andil, there lay quietly a videotape that was sent for distribution and review.

There are two lines of text in Chinese and English on the label.

"A Better Tomorrow" - "A Better Tomorrow".

To prevent mistakes, Peng Jiayan hurriedly looked down and searched her bag, and took out the videotape that Zhai Yuan had sent her. The text on it was exactly the same.

"Excuse me." Pang Chia-yan interrupted the three people who were talking at the front desk. She pointed at the cardboard box and asked, "Where are these movies going?"

The conversation stopped.

Andil and the other white man looked at Peng Jiayan and asked her, "Who are you?"

"She made an appointment to meet with Miss Debbie, but only after arriving here did she learn that Miss Debbie had left the company."

Jenny, the receptionist, said regretfully, then said to Pang Chia-yan, "I guess you are also here to seek independent film distribution? As you can see, the company has a new senior management, and it is not easy to get money out of their pockets. These cassettes in the box are all discarded movies and will be sent for disposal soon."

Pang Chia-yen asked, “What does ‘handle’ mean?”

Jenny replied: "Destroy."

Andil smiled and said, "Send it to the garbage truck, transport it to the landfill in the suburbs, and then use a compressor to crush it into powder. Every year, the company receives movies from various countries looking for distribution. In the past, the film copies could be mailed back by the same route. After switching to videotapes, the cost was greatly reduced, so this is the most time-saving method."

Pang Chia-yan was anxious: “So many movies can’t be released?”

Andil smiled and said, "It can only be said that they are unlucky. I don't think you need to waste your time. Not every race's movies can be shown in America."

There was a hint of discrimination in her words, and Peng Jiayan's expression turned ugly.

She took a deep breath to calm herself down, took two steps forward with a cold face, and took away the videotape of "A Better Tomorrow" that was on the top layer of the box.

"What the hell?"

Andil stared at Peng Jiayan in surprise, put the box on the front desk, and reached out to take back the cassette: "Miss, even if they are destroyed, you can't take them away."

“Why can’t I take my own movies with me?”

Peng Jiayan took out the same videotape directly from her bag and put her hands in front of Andir.

The only difference between the two videotapes was that the one taken out of the carton had an extra label on the back.

It says in English: From the joint office of Fox and Columbia Pictures in Hong Kong.

Fox is the Hong Kong and Macao translation of Fox.

Andil was startled, perhaps feeling a little embarrassed, and said righteously: "Even if it is your own movie, you can't take it away. It is now destroyed!"

Pang Ka Yin said angrily with a stern face: “Screw the waste! This is the hard work of our Hong Kong filmmakers!”

A quarrel broke out.

"Oh! That's enough, Andil, when did you start to defend the interests of the company?"

Receptionist Jenny hurriedly spoke out to stop him, then looked helplessly at Pang Chia-yan and reminded him, “If you want to use the eliminated movies to convince the new film purchasing manager, I suggest you change your distribution company. So do you still want to meet Mr. Paul Williams?”

"Fuck Fox, fuck Paul Williams!"

Peng Jiayan felt a nameless rage rising up in her heart, and she swore continuously. She turned around and walked out, clutching the discarded videotape.

The three people behind him looked at each other.

"I think it's time for you to go to work."

Jenny knocked on the box Andil placed at the front desk to alert the two white men.

After the two men left, she touched a few US dollar bills in her pocket and a smile appeared on her face.

This money is so easy to make.

the other side.

Peng Jiayan walked out of the building with a sullen face, her heart filled with two complex emotions: grievance and anger.

Destroyed goods? The foreigners on the street don’t know the goods!

She walked angrily in the Century City business district, not knowing where she was going. She just felt that her favorable impression of this place was greatly reduced. Even the exquisite ceramic sculptures on the roadside could not attract her attention.

She apparently didn't notice that when she walked out of the building, a yellow taxi started up and the black driver followed her slowly.

Just as Peng Jiayan walked aimlessly for a while and her pace slowed down unconsciously, the black driver opened the car door, stared at the bag on her shoulder, and gradually quickened his pace as he approached her.

The black man suddenly accelerated when he was a few meters behind Peng Jiayan, snatched her bag, turned around and ran back.

Get in the car, turn around, and run away, all in one go!
The whole process takes less than ten seconds.

Peng Jiayan was knocked down by the dragging force when her bag was snatched away. She screamed and stumbled and fell.

By the time she reacted, the yellow taxi had already driven away.

There were people passing by constantly.

Sympathy, curiosity, ridicule, gloating...

All eyes were focused on Peng Jiayan, but no one came forward to support her.

Peng Jiayan, who has yellow skin, feels that she is out of tune with everyone on the street.

She had never experienced this before and was at a loss.

Then, tears of grievance rolled down.

At first she just sobbed softly, and then she looked down at the videotape that she was holding in her hand but the cover was broken. Peng Jiayan's aggrieved emotions became more and more uncontrollable, and she suddenly burst into tears.

People were coming and going in Century City, and everyone was walking in a hurry, as if they were used to all the scenes. There was not even anyone stopping to watch.

Peng Jiayan didn’t know how long she cried.

Until a stretched Cadillac Bloheim drove past her.

Not long after, the Cadillac slowly backed up and stopped in front of Peng Jiayan.

The people in the car seemed to be observing Peng Jiayan. After about a minute, the car door was opened.

A tall white woman wearing sunglasses got out of the car.

The broken Cantonese sounded in Peng Jiayan's ears: "Jayne, Miss Peng Jiayan?"

Peng Jiayan was a little tired of crying now, but she was still sobbing intermittently out of grievance.

She looked up woodenly, and what caught her eye was a pair of red high heels. Her eyes moved upwards, and she saw calves wrapped in black stockings, matched with a red dress, and fell from the slender neck to the white woman's face, which was mostly blocked by sunglasses.

"Where are you?"

Peng Jiayan asked with sobs.

The white woman took off her large sunglasses, revealing her face with delicate makeup: "It's me, Michelle Pfeiffer, we met in Hong Kong."

Peng Jiayan stared at her for a few seconds.

Compared to the last time they met in Hong Kong, Michelle Pfeiffer, who became a Hollywood star after filming "Scarface", seemed more calm and confident.

Peng Jiayan recognized the other person. Meeting an old acquaintance in a foreign place, her emotions, which had just calmed down a little, could no longer be controlled and she burst into tears.

"What happened?"

Michelle Pfeiffer helped her up with concern and asked her repeatedly what had happened.

Pang Ka Yin hugged Michelle Pfeiffer and cried, "Zhai, Zhai Yuanyuan's movie can't be found, can't be distributed, I, I've been robbed!"

Michelle Pfeiffer raised her eyebrows slightly when she heard this.

She patted Pang Ka Yan to appease her, then turned to look at the driver and said coldly, "My friend came all the way from Hong Kong, but now he is being robbed in your territory. Can you help me solve this problem, or do I need to contact Godmother Yemima myself?"

The white driver in the car was wearing a sheriff's uniform. He was originally ordered to pick up Michelle Pfeiffer to attend a dinner hosted by the Los Angeles Police Department, but he didn't expect to encounter this incident on the way.

Especially when the sheriff heard Michelle Pfeiffer mention the name 'Yemima', his expression became somewhat unnatural.

Yemima was baptized as Michelle Pfeiffer's godmother after she became famous, with the help of Martin Bregman, the producer of "Scarface".

An old lady with a Jewish background, with complicated relationships behind her.

"Ms. Michelle, I will help you with this case now."

The white sheriff smiled as he got out of the car and asked Peng Jiayan, "Miss, what are the characteristics of the robber who robbed you?"

Peng Jiayan's eyes were red and swollen. She said, "A taxi driver, black."

"Damn nigger!"

The white sheriff cursed a word starting with N, and asked Peng Jiayan a few more details, such as the color of the bag and the valuables inside. Then he took out the walkie-talkie he carried with him and issued a wanted notice to the guys in the police station.

"Jayne, don't worry, they will be able to solve it soon."

Michelle Pfeiffer comforted Pang Ka Yan and jokingly said, "Are you coming to Los Angeles alone? Didn't my boss Zhai Yuan come with you?"

Peng Jiayan burst into laughter, remembering that this Hollywood star still had two film contracts in Zhai Yuan's hands.

However, judging from her strong attitude towards the police chief just now, Pang Ka Yin knew that Michelle Pfeiffer is no longer the same person as she was in Hong Kong.

She told him the truth: "I came to Hollywood to visit and learn, and by the way, I helped Zhai Yuan find a distributor for his new movie, but things didn't go smoothly."

Michelle Pfeiffer asked curiously, "Has Zhai Yuan made a new movie? His movie 'This Man From Earth' is very popular here. The producer from Disney even approached me, the leading actress, and said that they regretted only buying the distribution rights. Now they want to remake the movie or make a sequel."

Pang Chia-yan shook the broken videotape in her hand and said, “It’s ‘A Better Tomorrow’, a crime drama film co-produced by Zhai Yuan and a Hong Kong director.”

Michelle Pfeiffer: "Like in Scarface?"

Peng Jiayan frowned: "I haven't seen this movie."

Michelle Pfeiffer said dissatisfiedly: "You should watch this, Jayne. This is the second movie I made after returning from Hong Kong. In it, I play the girlfriend of the boss of a drug trafficking group."

The two girls chatted with each other, and Michelle Pfeiffer asked about the hotel where Pang Ka Yan was staying now.

"I'll meet you at the hotel tonight and show you the night scene of Hollywood."

She smiled and said, "Also, let me see what kind of movie Zhai Yuan makes that can win the box office championship in Hong Kong. You know, I still have the contracts for two movies in his hands. If he makes a terrible movie, I will have no choice but to cancel the contract~"

(End of this chapter)