Against the Current Hong Kong 1979

Lidi, General Manager's Office.

Huang Xizhao sat behind his desk, his expression somewhat solemn.

He was the first Chinese general manager of RTV. Since taking office in 1975, he has indeed made many outstanding achievements. Moreover, he was good at recognizing and using people and promoted many talents. It was also under his leadership that RTV's ratings far surpassed TVB's!

Sitting opposite him at that moment were the outstanding talents in directing and screenwriting he had promoted.

McDonald Bear was the program director of Channel 1, while Li Zhaoxiong was the assistant program director of Channel 1.

The only woman present was Shi Nansheng, who was promoted by McDonald's to become the TV executive director and is currently in a passionate relationship with Tsui Hark.

Three other people were also present: the station's currently rising producer and screenwriter, Xu Xiaoming, Zhang Jiazhen, and Wen Jun, who is just over twenty years old.

The other producers and directors all have projects on their hands and will not attend this meeting for the time being.

"You should all be aware of the current situation at the station."

In front of Huang Xizhao were several ratings statistics sheets and some analysis documents from the station. "TVB's 'Young Detective Bao Qingtian' has already broken 85% in ratings. It might even reach 90% by the time the finale comes."

Our show, *The Legend of the Condor Heroes*, has already plummeted to 38%. If we don't take action soon, we'll completely lose viewers. The 'habitual viewership' we've painstakingly built up will be shattered. Those British folks are also quite upset; they've asked me about it several times."

To avoid a head-on collision that would result in a lose-lose situation, TVB and RTV deliberately staggered their prime-time broadcasts. TVB dramas were usually broadcast Monday through Friday, with the two shows alternating; while RTV typically broadcast its main dramas during prime time from Friday to Sunday.

However, this does not mean that both sides have given up another time slot. Instead, they will use a secondary drama to compete with the popular drama on the rival channel.

For example, TVB previously used the seven-episode short drama "Old Time Buddy" to compete with RTV's "The Legend of the Condor Heroes".

For example, RTV (Rediffusion Television) used "The Legend of the Swordsman" to compete with TVB's upcoming hit drama "The Legend of Chu Liuxiang":

He looked at everyone present and asked earnestly, "Have you thought of any good solutions these past few days? Speak freely today and share your thoughts."

The people below looked at each other, unsure of what to say.

"Mak, you go first." Seeing that no one spoke, Huang Xizhao directly called on McDonald's Bear.

McDonald Bear paused for two or three seconds, clearly organizing his thoughts: "First of all, there's absolutely no problem with the quality of 'Reincarnated as a Silkworm.' It's the result of the hard work of me, Sheng Ge, Xiao Ming, Da Wei, and more than a dozen other colleagues. The early ratings increase also proves the show's potential."

"However, the casting issue came up later, and there was nothing we could do, so the ratings dropped a bit. But they quickly rebounded because of the exciting storyline..."

"Stop!" Huang Xizhao interrupted McDonald Bear, saying bluntly, "Talking about the past is garbage. I want to hear what you're going to do in the future!"

After a moment's thought, McDonald said, "The only solution is to gather top-notch directors and writers to come up with a better and more exciting script, film it as soon as possible, and compete with TVB for ratings."

"That's already underway!" Xiao Sheng chimed in. "The sequel, 'The Legend of the Condor Heroes,' is already in production. Li Dawei is currently directing, and Wenjun and Shouyi are working on it. It's expected to air in early October."

Huang Xizhao waved his hand: "October is a bit far away. What should we do with the free time in September? Should we give it all to TVB? I heard that they have Cheng Shaoqiu filming a new drama there, which will immediately take over the time slot of 'Young Detective Bao Qingtian'. Once they establish a ratings advantage, we will be at a disadvantage."

"I was prepared for this," McDonald said seriously. "I had Lee Wai-man and Tsui Hark rushing to film a drama about Chu Liuxiang, which will definitely air before TVB's drama, and will divert some of the viewership."

"That's one approach, but it only addresses the symptoms, not the root cause."

Wong Hei-chiu considered the matter more deeply, pointing out the drawbacks: "TVB bought the rights to Gu Long's novels, while we ultimately don't have the rights, which puts us at a disadvantage. Although Poon Chi-man is also handsome, his appeal is indeed slightly less than Adam Cheng's."

As he spoke, he suddenly remembered something and asked McDonald's Bear, "Didn't you say last night that you were going to contact that 'Blackie Bao' from TVB? What happened?"

McDonald Bear took out a newspaper and pushed it in front of Huang Xizhao.

This is a copy of the Oriental Daily News. The headline in the entertainment section is about Zhang Shuai'an being kicked out of Shaw Brothers Studio by Shaw Brothers.

"Huh? Has Mr. Shao lost his mind? He's kicking himself out of business?"

After reading it, Huang Xizhao was filled with doubt.

Li Zhaoxiong said, "I think Boss Shao must have found out about our meeting with Zhang Shuai'an yesterday morning. Given Boss Shao's stingy nature, he will definitely force Zhang Shuai'an to make a statement."

Based on our observations, this kid has a strong personality and his own ideas; it's not impossible that he'd clash with Boss Shao.

Huang Xizhao then asked, "So what do you think the chances are of us poaching him?"

McDonald replied, "I made an appointment with him yesterday to have afternoon tea at the Peninsula Hotel today. We'll talk more then."

Shi Nansheng, standing to the side, hesitated before saying, "The news says that he demanded two million in film fees from Shao Daheng, which angered Shao Daheng so much that he kicked him out."

That's outrageous! In all of Hong Kong, apart from Jackie Chan and a few other filmmakers, no one else can command that price, especially a newcomer like him. Isn't it a bit unfair that he doesn't deserve it?

McDonald Bear, however, pointed out the crux of the matter: "You can't say that. We've all seen 'Young Detective Bao Qingtian,' and the script is flawless, especially the methods of crime and the reasoning in solving cases... it's top-notch in every aspect. This Zhang Shuai'an, the most important thing isn't his good looks or his acting skills, but this!"

He tapped his head: "Spending two million just to buy a script and poach an actor is obviously not worthwhile. But spending two million to buy an all-around talent who can write and act, and also knows how to use gimmicks to elevate himself, is totally worth it."

Lee Siu-hung added, "During the run of 'Young Detective Bao Qingtian,' TVB's payroll fees increased two or three times, and this revenue cannot be ignored. Poaching him can also boost TVB's morale and enhance our station's image, so this is a worthwhile deal."

"In that case, you should have a good talk with him this afternoon."

Huang Xizhao, a man of action, said directly, "200 million is a bit too much. We can discuss it for under 150 million. It would be best to poach him directly and put Shao Yifu's arrogance to rest."

……

The house that Ling Zhijian helped choose was on Broadcast Drive.

This is a mid-to-high-end residential area, very close to TVB and RTV.

Transportation is also quite convenient; whether going to Yau Tsim Mong or Clear Water Bay film set, it's only about a ten-minute drive.

This apartment has three bedrooms and two living rooms, and it looks quite spacious, probably over 100 square meters. The monthly rent is over 1200 yuan, which is considered expensive these days.

Two years ago, Leslie Cheung rented a two-bedroom apartment nearby for only 500 yuan. Now, the rent has only increased by about 100 yuan.

Zhang Shuai'an naturally stayed in the master bedroom, He Jiatong stayed in the second bedroom, and the remaining room was used as a guest room.

The room was fully furnished, and equipped with a telephone, television, washing machine, and even a window air conditioner.

I feel much more relaxed when I sleep in my new home.

Zhang Shuai'an slept until 9:30 in the morning. When he went out, he found He Jiatong watching TV in the living room.

"Woke up so early?"

Zhang Shuai'an turned to look at He Jiatong.

He Jiatong replied, "I didn't sleep at all. I'm not used to sleeping in this kind of bed, so I couldn't fall asleep."

Zhang Shuai'an rolled his eyes at him, then walked towards the kitchen: "Nonsense, how come you were sleeping so soundly in the Shaw Brothers dormitory?"

He Jiatong paused for a couple of seconds, then said hesitantly, "To be precise, I've never stayed in such a nice house before. It feels a bit unreal, and I'm a little flustered."

Zhang Shuai'an said dismissively, "What's the rush? The good days have just begun. We'll buy luxury cars and live in villas in the future."

"Brother An, you earned all of this. Am I being too useless?"

He Jiatong said somewhat dejectedly, "I haven't done anything right, I haven't helped you at all, yet I'm living in such a nice house with you..."

"What are you babbling about!"

Zhang Shuai'an poured two glasses of warm water and handed one to He Jiatong: "You're not some poet, so why are you being so sentimental? Putting aside the fact that we grew up together, you saved my life when we were swimming. Even if I were to support you for the rest of my life, it would be only right."

"Besides, who said you're useless?"

Zhang Shuai'an patted He Jiatong on the shoulder and said, "Here, you're my only brother. No matter how much money I make in the future, or how many houses and cars I buy... you're the only brother I can trust one hundred percent. Do you understand?"

He said earnestly, "I need you in so many ways, so don't underestimate yourself. If I start my own company in the future, you'll have to oversee it carefully and learn to stand on your own!"

"I understand." He Jiatong paused for a few seconds, then quickly and firmly said, "I am your Han Xin, Bai Qi, and Zhou Yafu!"

Zhang Shuai'an spat out a mouthful of water and said irritably, "What kind of ridiculous analogy is that? None of these three ended up well."

He Jiatong said with a blank look, "Brother Jian told me this. He said these three are all great generals who have expanded territories, very formidable!"

"He's illiterate too, why are you listening to him!" Zhang Shuai'an said with a sneer. "You should read more books in your spare time to broaden your knowledge and experience."

The two chatted until noon, then got really hungry but were too lazy to go downstairs, so they just cooked some instant noodles.

These noodles were bought by He Jiatong back when she was at Shaw Brothers Studio. She said she was keeping them in reserve so that if she came back from filming late at night, she could have something to eat.

Unexpectedly, it became the first meal after moving to the new house.

Zhang Shuai'an ate his noodles, finding them tasteless, and muttered, "I'll have to find a cook in the future, otherwise I can't eat instant noodles every day."

"Is it necessary?" He Jiatong was shocked again: "Uncle, aren't we being a bit too capitalist! Will we still be able to go back to the mainland in the future?"

Zhang Shuai'an: "..."