Chapter Ninety-Four: A Call from Wang Jing

Japan is a pilgrimage ground for cult films; nearly every cult movie released there enjoys impressive box office success, especially after the 1990s, when classic cult films emerged one after another. The country’s fast-paced, oppressive lifestyle and the unique characteristics of its people provide the perfect conditions for the making and screening of such films.

Yan Xu knew cult films would have a market in Japan, but he hadn’t expected a box office take of two billion yen. Although it didn't match the thirty-one billion of Project A, it was almost on par with the Japanese box office of Chan Long’s Fast Food Truck.

In recent times, the investments from Yan Xu’s two companies, along with his own expenditures on housing, cars, and other expenses, had reached nearly seven million. Not only had he spent all the profits from Rainy Night Butcher, but half of the Hong Kong box office share from Taxi Judge was gone as well. The money had come quickly and gone even faster; now, his available funds were down to just two million.

Once the box office shares from Japan, Taiwan, and Southeast Asian countries arrived, he’d have at least fifteen or sixteen million. Such wealth would far surpass many of the hottest stars in film, television, and music.

"Also, your film’s Japanese distributor has already recommended it for the inaugural Tokyo International Film Festival. There’s a good chance it’ll be shortlisted."

Beyond the unexpected box office results, Bald Qiang brought Yan Xu another piece of good news.

Hearing that his film had been recommended for the Tokyo International Film Festival, Yan Xu felt a surge of excitement beyond the thrill of more than ten million in earnings. Though it was only the festival’s first year, it was already ranked among the world’s nine major A-class festivals, alongside Cannes, Venice, Berlin, and other famous names. If he could win an award, it would open the Japanese market even wider for his films.

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Yan Xu had just hung up the phone, still immersed in excitement. With over ten million about to arrive in his account, who wouldn’t be exhilarated? Sleep was now out of the question.

The phone at his bedside rang again just as he got up and his feet barely touched the floor.

"Hello, big brother, is there something else?" Yan Xu’s face was alight with joy, his smile nearly splitting his cheeks.

"Big brother? I may be older than you, but I never accepted you as my little brother."

The voice on the line made Yan Xu frown slightly. He’d thought Bald Qiang had more to say, but this was clearly someone else.

"Who are you?" Yan Xu asked, puzzled.

"Come on, you just called me big brother—now you don’t know who I am? I’m Wang Jing."

"So it’s Fat Wang! I didn’t expect you to call. I thought it was someone else. I was just about to look for you, actually; I’m waiting for the leading actress you promised to introduce for my new project."

Relaxing at the familiar voice, Yan Xu sat by the bed. Preparations for his film were nearly complete; only the choice of leading actress remained. He was seizing every opportunity, and Fat Wang’s knack for discovering and appreciating women was well-known. Yan Xu was curious about his recommendation.

"I’m calling about that. She’s free these days, no other projects, so when would you like to meet?"

"I’m available anytime—how about today?"

"Good, today it is. I’ll pick her up first; we should be there around noon."

"Noon? It’s only eight now—does she live in Macau?" Yan Xu retorted, half-joking. "Sounds like you’re planning to fleece me for lunch."

"Heh, you read me well," Wang Jing replied with a sly laugh. "I’ve gone to all this trouble finding you an actress; surely you’ll treat me, right?"

"Fine, but the person you bring should satisfy me. Otherwise, you’ll be footing the bill, and you still won’t tell me who this mystery woman is." Yan Xu, buoyed by his imminent windfall, felt a touch of extravagance.

"I’ll give you a surprise—she’ll meet your standards. Where are we meeting, anyway?"

"Let’s just meet at eleven-thirty at the restaurant. You know Gaddi’s on the ground floor of the Peninsula Hotel, right? Let’s meet there." Yan Xu wanted to strengthen his ties with Wang Jing, who was well-connected in the industry.

"Gaddi’s? Of course I know it. You really are loaded. I’ve hardly ever been there myself—looks like I’ll need to dress up."

Wang Jing’s voice nearly drooled at the mention of the name, quickly agreeing.

"Alright, eleven-thirty. I’ll make a reservation."

Gaddi’s, located in the Peninsula Hotel, is the oldest Western restaurant in Hong Kong, named after the hotel’s first general manager. Since its opening in 1953, it has drawn many local and foreign celebrities.

Though Yan Xu had lived in the Mainland, he’d long heard of Gaddi’s reputation. It was the most luxurious restaurant in Hong Kong, and as someone who appreciated good food, friends’ stories about the place had always made his mouth water. He had never had the chance to visit, but now, geography was no longer a barrier. Wang Jing’s words had brought the restaurant to mind.

While Gaddi’s prices were steep, so that most working people could only afford to tighten their belts for an occasional meal, Yan Xu’s current wealth meant he could have every meal there if he wished.

Entering Gaddi’s, he saw the high ceilings adorned with glittering crystal chandeliers, the lighting warm and not overly bright, giving a cozy feel. The walls displayed rustic oil paintings that, though Yan Xu wasn’t an expert, gave a sense of shifting space. The blue and gold carpet completed the restaurant’s old-world European atmosphere, making one feel transported to another country.

After arriving, Yan Xu sampled the bread basket brought by the waiter; the raisin wheat rolls and puff pastry cheese bacon twists were delicious. About ten minutes later, Yan Xu saw Fat Wang enter through the restaurant door.

Wang Jing was dressed formally: black suit, white shirt. Yet this outfit, meant to be stylish, looked mismatched on him—the suit was far too large for his frame, as if he were wearing a barrel.

But seeing the woman following Wang Jing made Yan Xu’s eyes light up. About one meter seventy tall, with straight long hair, delicate features, and a pair of sparkling large eyes—Yan Xu could never have guessed that this was the person Wang Jing had chosen to recommend.