Chapter 675

Repulse Bay was located in the Southern District of Hong Kong Island. It was one of the most luxurious residential areas. Hong Kong's upper-class people either liked the mountains or the beach, so they mostly chose these two places. Especially the beach, it was the best choice for summer relief. Several good bays in Hong Kong had developed villa groups, among which Repulse Bay had the longest history. The upper-class people in Hong Kong, such as the Li Family, the Bao Family, the Zeng Family and so on, all had their own villas here.

At this moment, under the curtain of night, luxury cars were constantly entering and exiting the brightly lit door of a villa covering an area of hundreds of square feet. If someone could distinguish the license plate numbers, they would be surprised to find that almost all the famous tycoons in Hong Kong had come. Although they usually had contacts, what kind of party could make these big shots attend with great fanfare?

"I'm old and have experienced too many things in the world. The world is changing more and more. It's already yours. Now I've handed over the work to Yihua. I just want to see how the world can change quietly." A wizened old man with a pair of wide glasses sighed and said.

"You can't say that, Mr. Shao. You are much more energetic than all the old people of your age I have seen. You believe in Buddhism and have done so many good deeds. You are a world-famous philanthropist. San Francisco also sets September 8 as Shao Yifu Day every year. Buddha will definitely bless you. As the saying goes, a martyr is still ambitious in his old age. It's not too late to talk about retirement after you are 100 years old. "A white man who looked about 30 to 40 years old said with a smile next to him.

This was a somewhat strange scene. The bald, wizened old man was speaking in English, while the white man was speaking in Chinese — standard Mandarin rather than Cantonese — but several people next to him took it for granted.

"Yes, Sixth Uncle, it's still early for you to retire. TVB can't do without you." On the other side, a man who was also in his thirties chimed in with a smile. Following that, voices of agreement rang out from all around.

The old man chuckled, then frowned and coughed a few times. A lady who was farther away came over and whispered a few words in front of the old man. Then she looked up and smiled apologetically at Adriaan, "I'm sorry, Mr. Kewell. Yifu is a little tired and needs to go back to rest."

"It doesn't matter. I'm flattered that Mr. Shao can attend the reception in person." Adriaan nodded politely and shook hands with the old man, "Thank you for coming. I wish you good health, Mr. Shao."

"Thank you, Mr. Kewell." The man smiled and then left with the help of his wife, who was dozens of years younger.

This shriveled old man was the famous Gentleman of Peace, Shao Yifu, who had been in charge of TVB for decades and had made it almost a monopoly in Hong Kong. Although the person in charge of AC Media's Hong Kong office had sent an invitation to TVB while preparing for the reception, he did not really expect Shao Yifu to attend. After all, he was over 90 years old, and it would be enough for TVB to send a few senior executives. He did not expect Shao Yifu to attend personally.

Although he only stayed for half an hour, he talked to Adriaan Adriaan. and Adriaan Xiao's face. was. And he was not the only one who showed respect. The Guo family, the Zheng family, and the two Li families all sent representatives, such as the two who were talking to Adriaan now.

"To be honest, when I first heard about you, my first reaction was that it's impossible. I've seen those directors in Hong Kong. They are talented, but it's almost impossible for them to run a group."

"Yes. Think of Huang Baiming. But it also shows that there are still geniuses in the world, brother."

The two men in front of him, who were about the same age as Adriaan, looked very similar. They both wore glasses, had slightly similar eyes, and slightly protruded teeth. But one had neatly combed hair, while the other had short hair. And the relationship between them was quite subtle. Just like how the younger one seemed to want to prove something, while the older one didn't think so.

These two were the two sons of Superman Li, the owner of Cheung Kong Holdings, Li Zeju and Li Zekai. They were the upstarts of Hong Kong's rich circle. Although Superman Li couldn't come in person because of his seniority, the presence of these two was equivalent to him coming in person. It was the same for the other families. If they all came in person, it would be a treatment that even the Chief Executive would not receive. So, they sent their closest relatives to represent them, which showed respect and etiquette.

As for why Shao Yifu came in person, it was because the relationship between TVB and AC Media was not the same. To be exact, TVB needed AC Media's help in many aspects.

"That's because I have a good partner. I'm in charge of the general direction, and he's in charge of the specific implementation. We work very well together." Adriaan said with a smile, "Just like when I was taking classes in Stanford Business School, although I was idle most of the time, I still remember the words of the innovation and entrepreneurship course professor. Play to your strengths, avoid your weaknesses, and be good at cooperation and adjustment. Only then will you be successful."

Speaking of this, Shao Yifu showed a look of realization, and his smile became wider. He raised the cup in his hand to the two Li brothers. "Speaking of which, we are schoolmates."

"That's true." Li Zeju laughed, and Li Zekai laughed as well. Then, the three cups clinked together, making a soft sound. However, the two brothers were smirking.

Seeing this, Adriaan didn't say much. The Li family's matters had nothing to do with him. But then again, if he could only choose between the two, he would be more willing to deal with Li Zekai. As the eldest son and having been kidnapped, he would be more kind, even if only a little. As for Li Zekai, he was young and energetic, arrogant and conceited. He even caused the IT stocks to go public recklessly and then plummet. This caused a lot of people who were optimistic about him to fall, so much so that TVB even used Li Xiaochao in "Searching for Qin" to insinuate and mock him.

"But there is no doubt about Mr. Kewell's talent and ability. I often hear from some people in the industry that half of AC Media is supported by Mr. Kewell." At this moment, a voice interrupted, and it was in fluent Mandarin. Although the Li brothers also knew Mandarin because they wanted to expand into the Chinese market, they didn't know it very well.

Following that, a fat face wearing glasses appeared in front of Adriaan. Other than Guo, Zheng, and Erli, there were also many people of status attending the reception, such as the chairman cum CEO of Turkey Satellite TV, Liu Changle.

"Mr. Kewell's Mandarin is really good. Although I've heard people mention it before, I only know how outstanding it is when I hear it with my own ears," the other party complimented.

"Thank you for your compliment. I'm glad you could come, Mr. Liu." Adriaan stretched out his hand and shook hands with him.

"Speaking of which, Mr. Kewell is not only the chairman of AC Media, but also a world-renowned director. What do you think of the future of Hong Kong's film industry?" Liu Changle asked.

Hearing this, Adriaan couldn't help but chuckle in his heart. They were really doing their best.

To be able to attract so many Hong Kong celebrities was not just because Adriaan came to Hong Kong. AC Media didn't have much investment in Hong Kong, but if someone had asked these celebrities to help observe this American media tycoon, it would be a different story. If it was just a guess before, Liu Changle's interjection while he was observing the Li brothers had confirmed it. Everyone in the industry knew that back then, because Murdoch wanted to enter China after acquiring the satellite TV Chinese Channel, but China did not allow foreign investors to have a controlling stake, they specially transferred Liu Changle over to acquire part of the shares to become the major shareholder, reorganizing Turkey TV and pushing Murdoch down to third place. Hence, the government behind him was more prominent.

That's really interesting. Then I'll show you guys more.

"That's a pity for me." Adriaan cleared his throat and said, "I don't dare to judge the future, but after the appearance of a world-saving film, if Hong Kong's film industry can fully cooperate with China, it can completely bounce back. But in my opinion, the best era was still ten to twenty years ago. "

Speaking up to this point, he sighed, as if he was really regretful. "At that time, Hong Kong's movies and television dramas, although many of them were rubbish, there were also many masterpieces that left people reminiscing endlessly, and the people in them were all peerless talents."

When he said the last sentence, the surrounding men couldn't help but smile knowingly.

"I've always heard that Mr. Kewell is a playboy. Seeing you today, you really live up to your reputation." Chen Yongqi, another major shareholder of Turkey TV who came with Liu Changle, said with a smile.

"You flatter me, I'm just following my own heart." Adriaan put down his cup and smiled as he cupped his hands.

This action made the group of people feel a little confused. This foreigner didn't speak English or Cantonese, but Chinese. Not only did he speak it so fluently, he was also familiar with all kinds of idioms and allusions, but he even did this action as if he was worshipping a mountain. Should they laugh at him for not knowing anything, or marvel at him for knowing a little bit of everything?

"For example, Miss Lin's Invincible East, Miss Zhao's Bai Suzhen, Miss Chen's Xiao Longnu, all of them have a myriad of gestures and left a deep impression on people. Although the others don't have representative roles like them, they also have their own characteristics. For example, Miss Zhong, I really like the cooperation between her, Mr. Zhang, and Mr. Zhou in 'Crossing the Four Seas.' " Adriaan didn't care about their gazes and continued speaking. Although he used Miss and Mr. to replace the actors' names, the surrounding people basically knew who he was talking about.

"If I were born ten years earlier, I would definitely find a way to get close to her," he concluded in the end, without any sense of it being a matter of course.

The surrounding people couldn't help but exchange glances. Some were surprised and some were emotional. In the end, it was Liu Changle who came out to smooth things over. "Mr. Kewell is really straightforward. I believe that even if many people have this idea, they won't say it directly."

"I understand. In fact, it's really not a big deal. It's too normal for men to pursue those beautiful women." Adriaan spread out his hands. "As the saying goes, a fair and graceful lady is a gentleman's dream. Hasn't it been like this for thousands of years?"

Liu Changle felt a headache coming, and the corner of his mouth twitched slightly. This westerner in front of him was really a westerner. He spoke very directly, but he had a good understanding of Eastern culture. He even said "a fair and graceful lady is a gentleman's dream." It was really hard for him to say anything at the moment. Fortunately, there weren't many people around.

In fact, Adriaan also knew that he had gone a little too far. Even if he said this to someone he just met at a cocktail party, it would be slightly impolite in the United States and Europe, let alone here in Hong Kong.

But this was also good. If he showed that he knew too much about Chinese culture, it would also make people suspicious, just like how he couldn't direct "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon."

"No wonder Mr. Kewell's works this year focused on the charm of this woman," Li Zeju added.

"I just want to use the camera to capture those beautiful bodies and faces, the style that can make people's souls throb. Just like those beauties from ten or twenty years ago. Although they have aged, there are still their peerless figures in the movies. These can stimulate people's inspiration when creating works." Adriaan sighed. At this moment, he was just like an artist.

Just when Liu Zhangle sighed and didn't know what to say, a voice came over, "Although it's a little inappropriate, the saying 'a fair and graceful lady is a gentleman's desire' is always right."

The person's face shape was similar to Liu Zhangle's. They were both a little chubby and wore glasses. He was bald, and his glasses were slender and about 70 to 80 cm. He had a refined temperament.

When he saw the person, Adriaan was obviously stunned. He looked familiar but couldn't remember who he was.

"I don't think I'm that scary, right?" The old man looked at himself and said in a humorous tone. Then, there was a burst of low laughter.

"Of course not!" Adriaan immediately reacted. "I just don't know if I should call you Mr. Jin or Mr. Zha."

This sentence immediately attracted surprised gazes. They all thought that this guy was very familiar with Chinese culture. They didn't expect that he even knew this person's pen name and real name. The old man's smile became much warmer.

"Jin Yong is just a pen name. Zha Liangyong is his real name," he said with a smile.

"It seems that Mr. Kewell likes Mr. Zha's novels very much." Liu Zhangle finally seized the opportunity to change the topic again.

"Yes, as the representative of the new school of martial arts novels, of course, I have to read Mr. Zha's books. Flying Snow Shooting White Deer in the Sky, Laughing Book Hero Leaning on a Green Mandarin Duck, all of them. " Adriaan said with a smile, "I have to say that Mr. Zha has a very good grasp of history. He cleverly combines stories with history. It's novel and unconventional. No wonder people can't stop reading it."

"You're flattering me, Mr. Kewell." Zha Liangyong's smile suddenly became wider.

Sure enough, it was said that Zha Liangyong preferred to be complimented as a writer and historian rather than a master of martial arts novels. For this reason, he even got a doctorate and a master's degree in history from Cambridge. So, Adriaan also complimented him. As for the truth, it didn't matter. Zha Liangyong was also a sly old fox. When film and television companies made movies out of his novels and asked him if the actresses matched the image of the female lead, he would always say yes. Besides, who wouldn't whitewash their own family after achieving success and fame?

"So, Mr. Kewell, which one of Mr. Zha's novels do you like the most?" After seeing Shao Yifu off, Fang Yihua, who had walked around and greeted many people, came back.

"Well … how should I put it? Each has its own shortcomings and advantages," Adriaan said after thinking for a while.

"That's too general, Mr. Kewell. It doesn't count." Chen Yongqi smiled and said in half-baked Mandarin.

"Well, then …" Adriaan thought for a while and said, "I'll tell you my personal opinion about the most popular male leads of the novels. But I have to tell you in advance that this is just my personal opinion."

After clearing his throat, he began to comment, "Qiao Feng is bold and straightforward. He can be a good friend, but when he's too strong, he's easy to break. Duan Yu is infatuated and pedantic. Xuzhu is kind but silly. Guo Jing is wise and tenacious. He is chivalrous but rigid. No wonder Old Heretic Huang doesn't like him. Yang Guo is a genius and extremely intelligent, but he suffered a lot when he was young, so his mind has become very exquisite. Only a pure person like Xiao Longnu can get along with him, and he really needs such a pure wife. It's a pity that the other girls, as the saying goes, once they meet Yang Guo, they will fall for the rest of their lives. This is what Ms. Lin said, not me. "

Hearing the last sentence, everyone couldn't help but laugh.

"Zhang Wuji is also kind, but he is indecisive, which makes people anxious. Linghu Chong is unrestrained and does whatever he wants. He is a chivalrous man, but he is not a good leader. Yue Buqun doesn't like him to be frivolous. As for Hu Fei, Mr. Zha said in the epilogue that he wanted to create a real man, and he did. Hu Fei in 'The Legend of the Flying Fox' is very clear, but he is still hesitant like all the main characters. It's a pity. " At this point, Adrian sighed. "But it's also because of this that these characters leave such a deep impression. They are real people. Zhang Sanfeng in 'The Heaven Sword and Dragon Sabre' is perfect, but he lacks some humanity."

He finally finished. Then, led by Zha Liangyong, the audience applauded. Well, this Westerner already knew China's culture very well, so it was normal for him to say so much.

"I'm really surprised. I didn't expect Mr. Kewell to know my novels so well." Zha Liangyong's eyebrows hid a trace of pride, just like when 286 lit his cigarette for him. Adriaan couldn't be compared to 286, but he was now a rising star in the global media group. It was inevitable that a Westerner like him had read and studied his novels.

"Mr. Kewell, do you have a favorite character?" Liu Changle asked.

"Well …" Adriaan thought for a while, then glanced at Fang Yihua. Before coming to Hong Kong, he had been choosing in his heart, and now he finally made a decision.

"If you really want to choose …" He said with a smile, "Then choose Zhang Wuji."

"Oh? Why is that? "Not only Liu Changle, but the people around him also showed a curious look.

"It's very simple. Only he can enjoy the happiness of having two wives." Adriaan spread his hands.

The scene was quiet for a few seconds, then a few people burst into laughter, causing people to turn their heads and look over.

"Mr. Kewell is really a distinguished scholar," Zha Liangyong said with a smile.