A phone call brought Ah Wai over. That fat bastard was a lecher, and he was surely very familiar with those sleazy Hong Kong films, so Wang Xuan called him in to ask about the situation.
"Ah Wai, I have a task for you. I'm thinking of opening a film company and making movies." Wang Xuan leaned against the sofa and spoke indifferently.
"Me? Open a film company?" Ah Wai looked utterly dumbfounded. How could a low-level thug like him have anything to do with a film company?
"That's right, you. You're such a lecher. Are there any sleazy Hong Kong or Taiwanese films you haven't watched?"
"Heh heh!" Ah Wai smiled confidently. "Of course I've watched them all. Brother Xuan, let me tell you, these sleazy films..."
Wang Xuan waved a hand, interrupting Ah Wai, who was about to give him a crash course in erotic film knowledge. "Stop. You can spare me the details of your viewing experiences. Just tell me—which directors of sleazy films are relatively famous?"
"Uh!" Interrupted, Ah Wai looked depressed. In his heart, Brother Xuan was good in every way, except that he was too old-fashioned. Faced with so many beautiful women, he did not seem interested at all.
"There are plenty of directors who have made Category III films. For example, Wong Jing, Nam Yin, Andrew Lau, and Chu Yen-ping have all made them, but they aren't professionals. The truly professional masters of Category III films are Fan Ho, Herman Yau, David Lai, Chai Chuen-yee, and Lee Kai-ming. Each of their films has its own distinctive style. Some are brutal, some lustful, some erotic, and some sensual."
"Oh? Which of those latter directors can we get in touch with? Bring them over to make a few films for us."
"Fan Ho works with Uncle Six. I don't really know about the others."
Of these men, Herman Yau was the most famous after Fan Ho. Female stars such as Loretta Lee and Shu Qi had worked with him, and most importantly, he had directed the Young and Dangerous series.
"Look into the backgrounds of the others besides Fan Ho."
"All right!"
The matter was temporarily put on hold. It was not until three days later that Ah Wai returned to report the situation to Wang Xuan.
Since none of these men currently held much status or had any real backing, Wang Xuan decided to invite them over to make films. As for whether they would refuse—now that was simply a joke.
That afternoon, Herman Yau was busy at the set when a group of thugs suddenly barged in. The director immediately frowned and hurried to his feet to greet them.
"What can we do for you, brothers? We've already paid our dues!"
"Whether you've paid or not has nothing to do with me." One of the thugs looked him up and down. "Is there someone here called Herman Yau?"
The director instinctively glanced toward the set behind him. Although he was relieved that these men had not come to cause trouble at the studio, Herman Yau was also his subordinate. Seeing that these people clearly meant no good, he said awkwardly, "What do you gentlemen want with him?"
"That has nothing to do with you. Hurry up and call him over." The men were extremely arrogant and looked like people not to be trifled with.
The director had no choice but to call Herman Yau over. Puzzled and uneasy, Herman Yau walked over.
"You're Herman Yau? Come with us."
"What do you gentlemen want with me?" Herman Yau was frightened, but since his own safety was at stake, he had no choice but to ask despite his fear.
"Why are you wasting time? Our boss wants to see you."
"Who is your boss...?"
The boss had instructed them to invite the man over, and the lead thug remembered the word "invite" very clearly. Thus, he could not use force right away. After thinking for a moment, he replied, "East Star, Blood Dragon."
The nickname Blood Dragon had recently become famous across Hong Kong. Those in industries that had dealings with the gangs had naturally heard of him. He was known for being ruthless and extremely brutal.
Hearing that Blood Dragon wanted to see him, Herman Yau was even more terrified. Not going...? Looking at the thugs in front of him, that was clearly impossible.
With no other choice, he could only force himself to go with them.
Watching Herman Yau being taken away, not a single person at the set dared to step forward.
Wang Xuan looked at the bespectacled, somewhat thin man standing before him. He appeared to be around twenty-seven or twenty-eight.
"Have a seat." Seeing how terrified Herman Yau was, Wang Xuan found it amusing. In this era, the name of a gang was still very useful.
Herman Yau was so nervous that he was about to lose his mind. So many major stars in the industry had been held at gunpoint and forced to make films. As a mere junior director, he was even more terrified in front of Wang Xuan. Now that he had been told to sit, he did not even know whether he should politely decline. If he really sat down, would it anger this seemingly "refined and courteous," but in truth "cruel and violent," Blood Dragon? Would he be beaten half to death?
"I... I..." Herman Yau was at a loss and stammered helplessly.
"I told you to sit, so sit. Do you want me to help you?" Wang Xuan glared at him and spoke in a low voice. Terrified, Herman Yau dropped into the chair with a thump, then nervously raised half his buttocks off the seat.
Damn it, can't I just speak nicely? Wang Xuan was a little troubled. He had actually wanted to be more civilized.
He turned his head and glanced at one of the underlings beside him. "Pour the guest some water. What are you standing around for?"
"No need, no need. I'm not thirsty, not thirsty!"
Herman Yau hurriedly refused, but when he saw Wang Xuan glare at him again, he immediately shut his mouth and dared not speak.
Seeing him like this, Wang Xuan could not be bothered to be polite anymore. He spoke directly. "I'm preparing to open a film company. We'll start by making some Category III films, both softcore and hardcore. You'll be the director. You're familiar with the industry, so introduce people for lighting, cinematography, editing, and so on. I'll be responsible for hiring them. Also, find people who can handle production supervision and management. Submit the list to me as soon as possible."
Herman Yau felt bitter inside. Not only was this man going to drag him into trouble, he wanted him to act as a guide and drag others into trouble as well. If that happened, his reputation in the industry would be ruined. This absolutely could not happen. With that thought, he was about to speak. "Boss..."
But Wang Xuan glared at him and pointed a finger, frightening him into swallowing the words.
"Who gave you permission to interrupt me?"
Wang Xuan's voice was cold enough to make Herman Yau's face turn pale. He shut his mouth and dared not speak. "I'll arrange for a lawyer to register the company. You'll be the first director signed under it. This is a legitimate company, so nothing will implicate you. Your basic salary will be ten thousand a month. If the films sell well, you'll naturally receive a commission. All other positions will also be paid according to industry rates, without a cent less. But..."
As he said this, Wang Xuan narrowed his eyes. The killing intent accumulated from the lives of ten men burst forth, terrifying Herman Yau until his entire body trembled. "But you must work wholeheartedly. I don't mistreat my subordinates, and I hate it when they play tricks on me. The moment I find out, I'll throw all of you into international waters to feed the fish!"
Thanks to all the brothers who sent rewards. I'll open a chapter later to thank you all separately. Thanks for your support!
Before you continue