Chapter Forty-Eight: Sanmao's Invitation

A plump figure approached the group. He sported the fashionable center-parted hairstyle popular among traitors of the era, his round face reminiscent of a child's. Most striking was the scar above his upper lip, as if it had once been repaired—a mark that resembled a harelip. He wore a black suit, a white shirt, and a neatly knotted tie; those accustomed to seeing him in casual or traditional attire found this formal look somewhat unfamiliar.

This newcomer was none other than Sammo Hung, a renowned figure in Hong Kong's entertainment industry. He was a celebrated actor, director, screenwriter, and stuntman, as well as a famous action choreographer. Now, he was also the boss of three major film companies: his independently owned Po Shun Film Company, Bo Ho Film in collaboration with Golden Harvest, and D&B Films, founded with his friends Pan Disheng and Tseng Kin-hing. All were highly regarded in the industry. Just this year, he had produced or supervised films such as "Ghosts Are People Too," "Winners and Sinners," "Twins Mission," "Police Story," "Waiting for Dawn," and "Owl vs. Dumbo," even directing and starring in Golden Harvest’s "Wheels on Meals." Even the least successful of these, "Ghosts Are People Too," had grossed seven million at the box office and led the videotape market; three of them surpassed twenty million, placing in the top ten box office hits of 1984.

"Sam, why are you here? Aren’t you supposed to be with your champion girlfriend?" Alan Tam teased Sammo Hung as he approached.

"You don’t understand. This is what I call knowing my boundaries. Keeping just the right distance is best—not too clingy, but still holding the initiative," Sammo Hung replied with a laugh.

"Aren’t you worried someone will snatch her away? The champion girl is quite sought after."

Listening to their conversation, Yan Xu quickly grasped the gist. The champion girlfriend they referred to must be this year’s Miss Hong Kong, Gaoli Hong—a mixed-race woman, internationally recognized as a model, who even won third place in the “Best National Costume” at Miss Universe. She was destined to become Sammo Hung’s future wife.

"I’m not worried. I’ve decided to sign her to my company. When you’re close by, who’s going to snatch her away?" Sammo Hung said, glancing at Yan Xu and Chow Wai Man. "Miss Chow, your singing earlier was really impressive. I’ll be sure to buy more of your albums. And who’s this unfamiliar face…?"

"He’s your peer, actually. The recent films he’s made are on par with yours," Alan Tam answered mysteriously, rather than directly.

"You’re Yan Xu, aren’t you?" Sammo Hung guessed without much hesitation. In the industry, he knew most directors—even if not all—and very few had managed to match his recent box office success. Apart from Yan Xu, the rest were close acquaintances.

"Big Brother Sam, your guess is spot on," Yan Xu replied, looking at Sammo Hung. This visit was indeed worthwhile—not only had he met Alan Tam, a titan of the music industry, but now also Sammo Hung, a giant of cinema. Both were well connected and influential figures.

"You’re truly the biggest surprise in the film world this year. Two movies, both over fifteen million—absolutely first-rate," Sammo Hung praised heartily.

"Not as impressive as you, Big Brother Sam. You churned out so many films in a single year, and each one was a blockbuster. ‘Owl vs. Dumbo’ recently kept my ‘Taxi Judge’ suppressed at the box office," Yan Xu responded with genuine admiration.

Sammo Hung’s laughter brimmed with pride. This year was indeed a bountiful one for his companies, elevating his status and achievements in the film industry. Rising from a stuntman to such heights, he had every reason to be proud.

"Any new projects lately?" Sammo Hung asked Yan Xu. Once a director gains fame, work becomes abundant; often, even if you aren’t actively seeking projects, they come to you. Many directors take advantage of this busy period to earn as much as possible. He himself had a Golden Harvest film, "Lucky Stars Go Places," about to premiere, and another, "Three Wise Guys," in its final stages of production.

"After making two films in half a year, I’m pretty much drained. I plan to take a break from movies for a while. Besides, I’ve recently set up a record company, which keeps me busy," Yan Xu explained.

"So Alan was asking you for songs?" Sammo Hung looked at Yan Xu in surprise. Not only could he write songs, but he also ran a record company. As the saying goes, changing fields is like crossing a mountain—he was truly versatile. "You really are a jack-of-all-trades."

"Jack-of-all-trades? Hardly. Just making a living," Yan Xu replied modestly.

"You call this just making a living? Launching Ah Min and Taichi Band isn’t simple—they hit gold record status in just two weeks," Alan Tam interjected with a smile. "And Ah Xu has a knack for analyzing the housing market. After hearing his advice, I’m planning to buy a few floors myself."

The surge in property prices was a hot topic in Hong Kong lately; whenever people gathered, at least seven or eight out of ten were discussing it.

"Oh?" Sammo Hung’s eyes lit up at Alan Tam’s words. "Ah Xu, what’s your take on the market?"

Yan Xu repeated his earlier analysis for Sammo Hung, both of whom had spare cash and were keen on foolproof investments. His insights had them nodding in agreement. If the real estate market continued rising as it was, with an average increase of two thousand per square meter annually, it would outstrip any other investment in returns, with minimal risk. As long as Hong Kong’s economy kept growing, its population increasing, and no major political upheaval occurred, housing prices would remain stable.

Yan Xu knew well that Hong Kong’s average housing prices would keep climbing until the financial crisis in 1997. Even an annual rise of two or three thousand per square meter was modest; increases of over ten thousand were common, with premium properties selling for several times the average.

"I’ve just found a development I like—was still hesitating, but after hearing your analysis, I think I’d better act quickly," Sammo Hung decided. "You’re definitely a friend worth having. Our entertainment industry colleagues are planning a New Year gathering soon—I’ll send you an invitation and introduce you to a few people." He extended the invitation to Yan Xu.

"Yes, you must come to the gathering. I’ll introduce you to some friends as well. And don’t forget my song," Alan Tam chimed in, shifting from requesting a song to outright demanding one, regardless of Yan Xu’s reply.