My teacher is Bruce Lee, who dominated Hollywood.

Chapter 74 King of Martial Arts

Cai Lan slowly sipped his Pu'er tea, his gaze piercing through the rising steam as he looked at the composed young man.

"Mr. Qin, Han's Film Industry doesn't build film studios or employ idle people. It can snatch a piece of meat from the mouths of major film studios simply by organizing events."

"In my opinion, this is simply the ultimate level of 'getting something for nothing'."

Lin Qingxia, who was standing to the side, seemed to understand but not quite, her big eyes moving back and forth between the two: Isn't making a movie just the director yelling "cut" and the actors performing according to the script?

Why does it sound like what they're discussing has absolutely nothing to do with acting?

"But," Cai Lan put down his teacup, changing the subject, "can you guarantee you'll never be wrong?"

"If a mistake is made, Mr. Qin's speedboat might sink in no time."

Upon hearing this, Qin Han finally understood the true purpose of the Shao family: Old Master Shao had obviously also set his sights on the profit margin of the package deal and had sent Cai Lan to sound him out.

As he pondered, he scooped a spoonful of pine nut and fish rice for Brigitte Lin beside him: "Mr. Cai is right, this is indeed a gamble."

"However, the reason I dare to gamble is because I can tell fortunes."

"puff--"

Ni Kuang, who was drinking Pu'er tea, spat out a mouthful of tea, choking and coughing repeatedly: "What? Fortune telling? Mr. Qin, Hollywood is now using the I Ching to make movies?"

Lin Qingxia looked at Qin Han's serious expression, wanting to laugh but not daring to.

"That's right, I am the legendary 'Iron-Mouthed Prediction'." Qin Han pointed to his mouth, causing everyone to finally burst into laughter.

Getting back to the point, he continued, "This is no joke. Isn't so-called business acumen simply the ability to predict the future?"

"Right now, I have my mentor as a trump card, which can guarantee the company's basic needs. But I also know very well that there is no such thing as a one-trick pony in this world."

"Audiences are always fickle, so from the very first day the company was founded, I have been searching the world for all kinds of topics."

"To be honest, I've already accumulated several pretty good scripts. I believe that in the near future, you'll all see Han's Film Studio's second and third trump cards."

A glint flashed in Cai Lan's eyes. He could tell that this young man was not the kind of nouveau riche speculator; his ambition and plans were quite far-reaching.

"Oh? I wonder what subject matter Mr. Qin has taken a fancy to? Could you tell me a little bit?" he asked tentatively.

"Mr. Cai, this is my most treasured skill. If I reveal it now, it won't work." Qin Han smiled slightly, avoiding the question.

"Haha! If you tell others so easily, what kind of trade secret is that? Lao Cai, that's a bit unfair of you!" Ni Kuang liked Qin Han's personality and spoke up for him.

Cai Lan was not annoyed and used this opportunity to extend Shaw Brothers' invitation: "Since Mr. Qin is so confident, then I will be frank."

"Uncle Six admires your talent and specifically asked me to inquire: Could the Han's Film Studio model also be applied to Shaw Brothers?"

"As you know, Shaw Brothers possesses the best film studios and distribution network in all of Asia. If they were to join forces..."

Qin Han chuckled inwardly. Sure enough, Run Run Shaw couldn't sit still any longer. Seeing Golden Harvest reaping the rewards, he also wanted a piece of the pie.

"The model of Han's Film Studio dictates that we are open."

His answer was impeccable: "We are not a vassal of any company. Whether it's Universal, Warner, Golden Harvest, or Shaw Brothers, as long as the price is reasonable and the project is suitable, we can sit down and talk."

"When doing business, make as many friends as possible and as few enemies as possible."

This statement gave Cai Lan a lot of face, but the subtext was also very clear: you can cooperate, but you have to follow my rules.

Cai Lan is a smart man, so he naturally understood.

He sighed helplessly: The biggest problem for the Shaw family right now is Uncle Liu's stubborn ideas.

His gaze fell on Brigitte Lin, who was listening intently to the film: This talented actress was still hesitating about whether to accept Shaw Brothers' invitation because of the issue of salary.

Qin Han followed his gaze to the beautiful woman and teased her:

"Ms. Qingxia, you should think more carefully about the roles you take in the future. Don't just take a few hundred yuan as a fixed salary, live in the company dormitory, and think you're making a profit."

Lin Qingxia twisted her fingers and said softly, "But... it's already very good to have any acting opportunities."

Qin Han shook his head and patiently explained, "In Hollywood, excellent actors earn a share of the box office revenue. As long as the movie does well, earning millions of Hong Kong dollars for a single film is not uncommon."

"Hundreds...millions?" Brigitte Lin was so surprised she couldn't close her mouth.

For her now, millions are a number she wouldn't even dare to dream of.

Cai Lan, listening from the side, shook his head: The core of Shaw Brothers' big-budget studio system was to suppress star salaries and implement a monthly salary system.

Even for an actor as famous as Ti Lung, the money he received was just a drop in the ocean compared to the box office revenue he generated.

If this "profit-sharing" model were to be followed, Uncle Liu would probably be so heartbroken he wouldn't be able to sleep at night.

"Mr. Qin, you're trying to bewitch these young people," he quickly interrupted Qin Han's "preaching and instruction."

"If all actors followed your example, half of Hong Kong's film companies would probably go bankrupt."

"Survival of the fittest is the law of nature," Qin Han replied casually, then subtly changed the subject: "However, speaking of cooperation with Shaw Brothers, I do have an idea."

"Oh? I'd like to hear more." Cai Lan perked up.

"I heard that Shaw Brothers made a version of 'The Return of the Condor Heroes' a few years ago, with Patrick Tse playing Yang Guo? Apparently, it was very popular at the time?"

"Mr. Jin Yong's novels are a huge treasure trove. If Shaw Brothers is willing to invest and Han's Company is responsible for the adaptation and production, there is definitely great potential."

"Jin Yong?" Ni Kuang had just picked up a piece of char siu when he heard this, and his brows furrowed instantly.

He slammed his chopsticks on the table, his face full of disgust: "Don't even mention it! Just thinking about it makes me feel sorry for that old man!"

"That was all ten years ago! Xie Xian is popular purely because he's handsome! But what was that movie Sixth Uncle filmed called 'The Return of the Condor Heroes'?"

This talented scholar was outspoken and didn't hold back when he criticized people: "The plot has been completely altered! The Little Dragon Girl is portrayed like a nagging housewife from the next alley, and Yang Guo isn't a great hero at all, but rather a slick-haired playboy!"

"After watching the premiere, Jin Yong was so angry that he drank three jugs of wine in a row and vowed never to sell copyrights casually again!"

Lin Qingxia was startled by Ni Kuang's excited appearance and shrank further towards Qin Han.

Cai Lan touched his nose somewhat awkwardly. Although the film did well at the box office, its reputation was absolutely terrible.

Qin Han laughed, this was exactly the effect he wanted: "Adaptation is not about making things up randomly. Mr. Jin Yong's martial arts world is magnificent, and whether it is the humanity of the characters or their feelings for their country, it is in no way inferior to the Western 'Lord of the Rings'."

"If we could adapt the script with top-notch talent to recreate that world of swords and shadows, instead of turning it into a theatrical film disguised as something else..."

His eyes gleamed with fervor: "That's true Eastern martial arts!"

Ni Kuang nodded repeatedly upon hearing these words. As Jin Yong's close friend, he knew all too well the regret in his old friend's heart.

So many timeless classics have been written, yet not a single film or television adaptation has truly captured the essence of the original work!

"Qin Sheng, you've hit the nail on the head!" He picked up his wine glass, ignoring Qin Han's tea, and clinked it against his:

"If you can really capture that feeling in a film, I, Ni Kuang, will be the first to applaud you!"

"But..." Qin Han looked troubled, "I've never met Mr. Jin Yong before..."

"Hey! What's so difficult about that?" Ni Kuang slurred, assuring everyone, "Aren't we here?"