Chapter 149: A Turning Point for the Dragon Clan's Development

During Yan Xu’s hospitalization, visitors were constant. Aside from the top executives and key employees from his three companies, some friends from his social circle also came by. Although each department in the companies operated independently, there were still critical matters requiring Yan Xu’s final approval. Given his remarkable recovery, everyone assumed he was fine and nearly treated his hospital room as an office. Fortunately, he was in a single room, and visiting hours were limited; otherwise, the doctors and nurses would have surely kicked him out early due to the noise from the constant comings and goings.

“I heard you’ve been living the good life lately, with beauties bringing you soup every day,” said Wang Pangzi, who had just opened the door and hadn’t even set down the flower basket in his hands before speaking.

“What are you doing here again? Didn’t you say you were busy editing the sample footage? You’re done that quickly?” Yan Xu looked at the grinning Wang Pangzi, whose eyes gleamed mischievously.

“No way it’s done so fast. I just finished part of it; the whole thing will take at least two or three more days,” Wang Jing casually grabbed an apple from the fruit basket on the table, wiped it on his sleeve, and took a big bite.

“Then get back to work. This film is our Dragon Clan’s big debut; it has to make a splash. Time’s short, and I’m planning to release it over Christmas. You’re not here just to mooch apples, are you?” Yan Xu said.

“I’m here on Amin’s behalf to keep an eye on you. I heard someone’s gotten so distracted by the beauties around him that he’s losing focus. Amin is such a beautiful and responsible girl—don’t go down the wrong path,” Wang Pangzi hinted with a sly grin.

“Get lost!” Yan Xu laughed and scolded him. “You’re the last person who can talk—I hear your daughter’s already grown up, and you’re still chasing after every flower in bloom.”

Though Wang Jing was frequently surrounded by women and the subject of many rumors, he had married early. At twenty-four, he had his first daughter, who was now several years old. However, he rarely mentioned his family, and few knew he was married with a child. He was staunchly opposed to his daughter entering the entertainment industry. Although she had a few minor roles, his suppression kept her from gaining fame—quite the contrast to how San Mao pushed his own son’s career.

“I’m different. Having beauties around me is a skill. I can have all the banners flying outside while keeping my home stable,” Wang Pangzi boasted proudly, tossing the apple core into the nearby trash bin with a graceful arc.

“Alright, enough boasting,” Yan Xu rolled his eyes. “So, what’s the important matter that could make you leave your editing duties and come see me?”

He grinned as Wang Pangzi sat beside him, wearing a mysterious expression.

“There really is something, and it’s a big deal,” Wang Pangzi said with a hint of intrigue.

“What big deal? Don’t keep me in suspense—say it!” Yan Xu urged.

“Shao’s Film Company is planning to sell their cinema chain,” Wang Jing dropped the bombshell.

“What?” Yan Xu nearly jumped out of bed.

“This is what my old man told me. Right now, it’s just a plan; the timing and details aren’t finalized. But Uncle Liu has proposed it, and selling the cinema chain seems inevitable. Shao’s local cinemas have never performed well. They used to rely on Shao’s films to support them, but production has declined or even paused. This has worsened the cinema business. After expenses, salaries, and maintenance, the cinema profits are even less than what they make from renting out studios and properties. So, they’re planning to offload these sixteen cinemas,” Wang Jing explained.

“That’s huge news. See if you can get more details from Uncle Tianlin. Owning a cinema chain is a rare opportunity. Our company can only grow with it. I’ll have Ade do some market research and prepare preliminary plans. Even if we can’t acquire all of Shao’s cinemas, we must secure at least a portion,” Yan Xu’s eyes gleamed with excitement.

Although he knew acquiring Shao’s cinema chain would be difficult—not just financially but due to competitors—he was determined. Other film companies would surely vie for it, especially DeBao. Since Pan Disheng acquired DeBao, it had flourished and gained a stellar reputation in the industry, poised to fill the gap left by Shao’s decline. Pan Disheng came from a wealthy family and was a shrewd businessman with deep pockets. Yan Xu recalled that Shao’s cinema chain had fallen into DeBao’s hands, quickly replacing Shao as one of Hong Kong’s top film companies.

So Yan Xu’s goal wasn’t to take all of it, just a share.

When visiting hours ended, Yan Xu, bored, lay in his hospital bed and tried to pass the time by sleeping. After three days of ample rest, he found it hard to fall asleep. The quieter it became, the clearer every sound was.

“It’s past visiting hours now. Please come back tomorrow,” said a young nurse trailing the head nurse on their rounds.

“We came all this way. Just let us peek in for a moment. We’ll be quick,” a man’s voice replied, slightly sharp and youthful.

Yan Xu almost laughed at the man calling the nurse “beauty.” Though the nurse was decent-looking, her round face adorned with acne and freckles hardly fit the description.

“It’s against hospital rules. After hours, no visits. You’d disturb the patient’s rest,” the nurse responded firmly.

“Come on, beauty, cut us some slack. Our work hours are unpredictable; this is a rare break,” another man’s deeper voice pleaded.

“You look familiar,” the nurse hesitated, surprised.

“We’re Qingyun. Though we look a bit rough, we’re somewhat known. Our film ‘Blessings to the Emperor’ just screened recently,” the first man quickly said. Yan Xu was also surprised; he had guessed who they were but hadn’t expected them here at this hour.

“Oh, I remember now. You’re actors! You played the assassin in ‘New Brother-in-law,’ right?” The nurse brightened with excitement.

“Can I have your autograph?” she asked like a true fan.

“Sure, beauty. Not just an autograph—I can even perform a scene for you. But please, let us in for just a short while,” the first man coaxed.

“Alright, but be quick. The head nurse will be around soon,” she relented. The acting profession evidently had its perks—familiarity opened many doors.

When the corridor fell silent, Yan Xu soon heard a knock on his door.

“It’s really you two,” Yan Xu smiled as two men carrying large bags entered.

“Master Yan!”

“Master Yan!” they greeted in unison.

They were Liu Qingyun and Li Yaoxiang. Both looked a bit reserved and stood respectfully by the door.

“Don’t stand so far away. Come, sit here,” Yan Xu invited. Since their last meeting at the studio, he had expected them to return soon but hadn’t anticipated such a long wait. Li Yaoxiang was more at ease, but Liu Qingyun, who had gained some fame at TVB, found it harder to leave everything behind and start anew.

They placed the nutritional supplements and fruits beside Yan Xu’s bed and sat down.

“I didn’t expect you to visit me. Just the thought is enough. And you brought all this!” Yan Xu glanced at the gift boxes, one clearly containing premium mountain ginseng. Such items were precious to them—though Yan Xu could afford to treat shark fin soup casually, these were significant luxuries for the two. Liu Qingyun had some recognition but likely earned very little at TVB, while Li Yaoxiang, still a background actor, probably worried about his next meal.

“We didn’t know what to bring, so this is just a small token,” Li Yaoxiang said.

“So, have you made up your minds?” Yan Xu asked, sensing their decision.

They exchanged a glance, then both stood and bowed slightly. “Please, Master Yan, give us a chance!”

“Alright,” Yan Xu nodded confidently, pleased to have future film and television stars under his wing. Though their acting was still raw and needed cultivating, gold would eventually shine. He only needed to give them the opportunity, and they would bloom.

“But let me be clear: your current skill level requires time to improve. The company will sign you as talent, provide coaches for various training, and help you secure roles. However, in the beginning, you won’t get major roles, and your salary will be the company’s minimum living allowance. Still, fees from any roles you perform belong to you. You both come from TV drama backgrounds, but film acting is different. I’ll give you three months to adapt. After that, I’ll gradually increase your roles in our films. What kind of roles you get will depend on your efforts. Perhaps one of you will be the male lead in my next project...”