In today's interconnected world, where information travels at lightning speed across the internet, no corner remains untouched. Despite Hong Kong's unique social atmosphere, where the upper class tends to be arrogant and exclusionary, and the entertainment industry remains stubbornly insular, there are always those with vision and sharp instincts.
These true elites of Hong Kong aren't confined to local interests in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau. They cast their gaze toward the vast Mainland market, Southeast Asia, and the world at large, staying firmly attuned to the pulse of the times.
Madam Jin is undoubtedly one of the most Mainland-focused figures in Hong Kong's entertainment industry. From the very inception of her talent agency, she strategically began laying the groundwork for expansion into the Mainland market. She has diligently worked to cultivate connections there, organizing numerous performances by Hong Kong stars on the Mainland and establishing a substantial network of contacts and resources.
During its golden age, Hong Kong's entertainment industry churned out classic after classic, its stars shining brightly. Madam Jin, with her remarkable foresight, recognized the immense potential of the Mainland market early on.
This vision brought her tremendous rewards.
Among the hundred-plus guests present, Madam Jin undoubtedly held the highest status in the entertainment world.
When she declared Lu Chen's work to be worth a million, no one dared to question her judgment, even if they privately doubted it. Most attendees gained a new perspective on Lu Chen, the young man from the Mainland.
He had proven his worth.
In Hong Kong, net worth served as the most fundamental measure of social standing.
This meant that once the gavel fell on Lu Chen's charity auction item, a single song, he would instantly become one of the top original composers in Hong Kong's pop music scene.
"700,000!"
Xu Hui gritted her teeth and raised her bidding paddle once more.
To be honest, the price had already exceeded her expectations, and she harbored considerable apprehension toward Madam Jin. But she refused to back down and give up so easily. She couldn't let others think she was afraid of Madam Jin.
As if anticipating this, Madam Jin smiled serenely, gracefully raising her paddle to match the bid: "One million."
One million!
It had actually reached one million! A song fetching such a price was likely unprecedented in any auction house.
Gasps of astonishment rippled through the banquet hall.
While a million dollars might be a trivial sum for many of the attendees, some could easily afford ten times that amount, spending it on a single song was simply astonishing.
Madam Jin's audacity was truly breathtaking!
Xu Hui finally conceded. Setting aside the staggering million-dollar price, continuing the bidding would only make her seem immature and unreasonable.
Yes, Xu Hui had initiated the bidding, but if she pushed her rivalry with Madam Jin to the bitter end, people would simply dismiss her as a naive young woman.
This was a matter of reputation.
"Sold for one million!"
The auctioneer didn't dare ask any further questions and immediately brought the hammer down. "Congratulations, Madam Jin!"
Clap! Clap! Clap!
Thunderous applause erupted across the hall. Regardless of their true feelings, everyone congratulated Madam Jin in the moment.
They had witnessed quite a spectacle and gained a new topic for idle chatter.
"Thank you!" Madam Jin rose with a graceful smile to acknowledge the applause, her gaze drifting to Lu Chen, who was seated in a corner. She had clearly been aware of his presence all along.
Lu Chen turned to Li Zhen. "Let's go over there."
Now that his item had been sold, he couldn't remain hidden in the corner as a mere observer. He needed to deliver the genuine item to its rightful owner.
As soon as Lu Chen stood up, he immediately drew all eyes in the room.
No formal introduction was necessary; everyone recognized him as the true protagonist of this auction. Almost every gaze in the hall gravitated toward him.
The guests were eager to see if this Mainland singer, who had demanded a million for a single song, possessed three heads and six arms.
In terms of appearance and presence alone, Lu Chen never disappointed.
His features were sharply defined, with bold, sword-like eyebrows framing bright, piercing eyes, radiating a distinctly masculine aura. This stood in stark contrast to the effeminate, flower-boy idols currently dominating the entertainment industry, aligning more closely with traditional standards of beauty.
He was undeniably handsome, yet never effeminate.
Standing over 1.80 meters tall, his physique, honed through years of training, was impeccable. Paired with a brand-new Armani suit from the 2016 collection, he could effortlessly grace any fashion week runway.
Most importantly, after experiencing three lifetimes in his dreams, Lu Chen's demeanor had undergone a profound transformation. He exuded a deep, reserved confidence, neither arrogant nor impatient, carrying the composed air of a true success story that left a lasting impression on first-time acquaintances.
"So that's Lu Chen?"
"He's certainly a striking figure. You rarely see someone like that even in the Mainland."
"Young men like him are even rarer in Hong Kong."
"Quite handsome, isn't he?"
Several young women among the guests cast richly varied glances at Lu Chen.
Seated beside Madam Jin were two young women, their eyes fixed on Lu Chen as he approached, a mix of shyness and curiosity in their gaze.
"Madam Jin, it's an honor to meet you. I'm Lu Chen," he said, bowing slightly. After introducing himself, he gestured to Li Zhen beside him. "This is my assistant, A'Zhen. May we sit here?"
Li Zhen quickly bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Madam Jin!"
Madam Jin was no longer young, the relentless march of time having etched indelible marks on her face. No amount of care could erase these marks, and strands of silver still framed her temples.
Yet it was clear she had once been a striking beauty. While age had left its mark, it had also bestowed upon her a unique, regal aura born of accumulated wisdom and experience.
What truly captivated attention were her bright, piercing eyes, which seemed capable of seeing straight through to the depths of one's heart.
"Please, take a seat. There's room here," Madam Jin said with a warm smile. "When did you arrive in Hong Kong?"
Lu Chen and Li Zhen settled into the vacant seats. "Just the day before yesterday," he replied.
Madam Jin chuckled. "Let me guess, you're here to participate in the New Film Support Program, aren't you?"
Lu Chen was immediately startled. "Yes, how did you know?"
He had kept a very low profile in Hong Kong, not even mentioning it on his blog. The official establishment of his film and television workshop had only been yesterday. Among local insiders, perhaps only Shu Jing knew the details. Madam Jin's insight was truly extraordinary.
"It's actually quite simple to deduce," Madam Jin explained. "You've achieved tremendous success in the Mainland's pop music and television drama markets. If it weren't for Hong Kong's new film and television support plan, I can't imagine any other reason for you to sneak over here."
Lu Chen forced a wry smile. "Can't I just be here for vacation?"
Madam Jin countered, "Vacationing alone in Hong Kong? Are you and Fei'er breaking up?"
Lu Chen was left speechless.
Madam Jin flashed a sly smile. "Most importantly, I spoke with Fei'er on the phone last night. I've known her even longer than Shu Jing."
Lu Chen was completely defeated.
(End of Chapter)
You can read ahead up to 60 chapters on my patreon https://www.patreon.com/darkshadow6395