Chapter Thirty-Three: The Dragon Clan Corporation

At ten o’clock at night, while many have already drifted into peaceful sleep in countless places, elsewhere, just as many are only beginning their night. In the bar, this is the hour of greatest excitement; tonight's crowd is mostly regulars. As a dedicated showcase for a band, the presence of so many fans is already a remarkable achievement.

The warm-up band has finished, and the main act of the evening gradually takes the stage. As they step into the spotlight, applause and whistles echo throughout the bar, enough to stir excitement among the performers. Pat adjusts the sound of the drums, tapping the sticks a few times. This is the first public performance since their band was formed. The bar owner, an old friend of theirs, had specially arranged this exclusive night for them.

Their band is a fusion of two groups. Before joining forces, each was fairly well-known within Hong Kong’s underground rock scene. Pat and his brother Yao’s band, Trinity, had even held a solo concert at a university auditorium—an impressive feat for struggling rock bands in Hong Kong.

For tonight’s showcase, this newly combined band had rehearsed extensively. Not only were many songs rearranged, but they had written several new ones as well.

“Thank you all for coming to our show. This is our first performance since reorganizing the band. We hope to bring you a night filled with passion,” Pat said into the microphone, standing on stage.

“Scream! Let’s hear it!”

As Pat’s voice faded, the lights in the bar suddenly dimmed. Da Kou’s voice rang out, “Red Storm Lips, Pat!”

The fierce drumbeats erupted, merging with the electric guitar’s chords. The bar’s multicolored lights began to flicker, and with the music and the lights, the crowd on the dance floor grew wild.

“On the street, I meet a mysterious woman, urging me to give her a hint. Dizzy, almost drunk, I feel lucky yet childish. Her eyes cling to me, her arms electrify my wine-soaked heart. Together, there’s not a hint of darkness or fear, just me facing the crowd like fire, keeping my heart drunk. Together, all worries swept away, but I must walk forward. No more sinking into intoxication, yet I cannot help but whisper goodbye...”

Red Storm Lips could be called their signature song—the lyrics, melody, and vocals all crafted by Pat. With the band’s new arrangement, the song is even more intense, and for the fans, it is their most familiar anthem.

After igniting the crowd with Red Storm Lips, they followed with another passionate number, Red Sports Car.

The screams in the bar grew ever more fervent. The crowd on the dance floor waved and leaped, the musicians’ energy contagious, and the audience’s excitement drove the performers to pour out even more effort. On stage, Pat waved his arms, striking exaggerated poses during the vocals. They were masters at stirring the atmosphere, especially during Da Kou and Ah De’s electric guitar solo—the club reached a fever pitch.

On the bar’s second floor, two men leaned against the railing, beers in hand, swaying gently to the music. The infectious rhythm could move everyone present.

“How is it? Isn’t it impressive?” asked the slightly balding man with a close-cropped head, taking a sip of beer and turning to his companion.

“Very good. They definitely have talent. The singing is excellent, the technique is solid, and they have real presence. Amazing!” his companion replied, eyes fixed on the band, his body moving with the music, clearly immersed in the atmosphere.

“I told you, I never make mistakes. They’re leaders and representatives of Hong Kong’s rock scene. I’ll introduce you to them in a bit,” the bald man smiled.

These two were Yan Xu and Louis Kwan. Since Louis had agreed to compose music for Yan Xu’s new film, they often met. Yan Xu needed to clearly convey his artistic vision, so Louis could compose accordingly.

To produce and release new songs for Vivian Chow, they would need to rent a studio and seek a distributor, all at their own expense. Unless, of course, Vivian joined a music company, which Yan Xu did not wish to see. So he decided to establish his own music company.

Now, Yan Xu was something of a minor tycoon. One film had earned him over five million. Though some had been spent on buying a seaside apartment in Mid-Levels for over one and a half million, he still had around three and a half million left. He gave half a million to Brother Nine to help set up a talent agency, with Nine overseeing it.

A small music company, including equipment and everything, would cost about a million. Thus, Yan Xu invested another million on top of the agency to establish a music company. Not being skilled in management or music, he ceded twenty percent of the shares to Louis and his wife. Others might think Yan Xu was squandering money, but he knew he was making a wise investment. The couple’s future was beyond imagination; for two hundred thousand, acquiring such talent was a sure win.

Dragon Talent Agency and Dragon Records—these were names Yan Xu had painstakingly devised. A company’s name must be bold and memorable. He drafted many ideas, and ultimately chose Dragon for its symbolism: he hoped every artist under his banner would be a mighty dragon capable of stirring wind and rain. After all, Chinese people call themselves descendants of the dragon, and the dragon embodies dominance.

Both companies were established almost simultaneously, their addresses in two adjacent units Yan Xu had bought for two million. These expenditures left him nearly penniless, with just a few thousand left as backup funds, and Vivian Chow became the first signed artist of both companies.

Of course, Yan Xu was only a little short on cash. He now owned two companies and three properties, and those real estates would multiply in value within a few years.

When his next film was released, there would be another windfall, and with several thousand on hand, he could live comfortably for some time.

The filming of Taxi Judge was progressing smoothly; the major scenes were finished, leaving only some small indoor shots. Each day’s shooting was relaxed, and scenes were wrapped up early.

After today’s shoot, Yan Xu followed Louis to this bar. With his own music company, it was impossible to sign established stars; even Alan Tam’s price exceeded the company’s entire worth.

Thus, their focus now was on discovering new talent. As general manager and music director, Louis bore this responsibility. With his extensive experience and connections, Yan Xu hadn’t expected his first recommendation to be a band.

Hong Kong’s rock music has deep roots. Teddy Robin, one of New Art City’s seven giants, is hailed as the city’s first band leader. His group, Teddy Robin and the Playboys, was top-tier in the 1960s, enjoying tremendous fame. Later, Sam Hui’s Lotus Band, Principal and Ah B’s Wynners, all made their mark. Summer Siu, dubbed “Hong Kong’s Godfather of Rock,” was less famous but influential, praised by Leslie Cheung as a big brother. He also appeared in many films and TV series, most memorably as Chen Jinnan in the 1998 version of Duke of Mount Deer, and the loving father in SPL.