The following days were filled with a whirlwind of activity for Lu Wen Dong.
He was constantly on the move, juggling three major tasks: the film set, the renovation of the Money Leopard nightclub, and the construction of the Tuen Mun Film City base.
The more busy he was, the more fulfilled he felt, his whole being radiating energy and enthusiasm.
One day, Lu Wen Dong invited Da B, Thirteen Sister, and Thin Eye to the Diamond Hill film set.
“Bin Ge is out of the country, so I've asked Thin Eye Ge to take his place for a while,”
Lu Wen Dong said with a beaming smile, “All you big shots, heroes of the genre, ‘A Better Tomorrow’ has officially wrapped up. We're now moving into the second phase.”
The first phase involved the filming process itself, during which they inflated the production costs, creating a legitimate-looking flow of money.
This ensured that Da B and the others received clean funds.
The second phase, naturally, was the release of 'A Better Tomorrow' itself.
Lu Wen Dong planned to use midnight screenings and inflated seating numbers to inflate the box office numbers, fulfilling the purpose of laundering funds.
However, this wouldn't be possible without the likes of Da B, a ‘揸Fit人’ (Boss) who could talk to local cinemas.
Moreover, they had to consider if anyone else was planning to launder money using the same tactic during the same period.
Da B burst into laughter, “No wonder you're making such a big fuss.”
“So the film is finished.”
“Wen Dong, when are you planning to release it?”
“Tomorrow!”
Thirteen Sister interjected, “Isn't that a bit hasty?”
“It's fine, it's fine.”
Lu Wen Dong's approach to filmmaking was unlike anyone else’s. First and foremost, it was for money laundering, second for a specific task, and third, for profit.
At this point, the biggest investment in the film came from Han Bin and Thirteen Sister.
Lu Wen Dong had already prepared for the best and worst case scenarios. Even if ‘A Better Tomorrow’ bombed in this world, he planned to sell the copyrights to recoup the cost invested by the two.
Lu Wen Dong had calculated that even in the worst-case scenario, he could sell the rights for over a million HKD, which, combined with box office share, would be enough to break even.
Of course, deep down, Lu Wen Dong hoped the film would be a massive hit.
“It's just a matter of timing.”
“No big deal.”
Thirteen Sister said, “Give me some posters later, I'll have people put them up in the Pottinger Street area. It's a movie made by our own people, after all.”
“You gotta drum up some hype.”
Da B and Thin Eye also pledged their support, “Wen Dong, we'll definitely send our brothers to support the movie.”
“Thanks, guys.”
Lu Wen Dong gave a slight bow, then turned sideways, “The directors are waiting for us. Let's grab a bite.”
Thin Eye said, “After we eat, let’s head to Kowloon City for some fun. It’s close.”
“I'm treating.”
Thirteen Sister chuckled, “Thin Eye Ge is so generous.”
“Duh, we’re family!”
The group continued to chat and laugh as they entered the room. Three large round tables were set up, with the center table left empty.
Upon seeing Lu Wen Dong and his entourage, Collapse Sen, Poisonous Hair, and their crew stood up, “Boss.”
“Sit, sit.”
Lu Wen Dong motioned to Collapse Sen, Poisonous Hair, Outdated Dragon, and Older Brother, “You guys are the main players. Come, take the main table.”
Seeing how nervous the four were, Da B laughed, “Don’t be afraid. We may have tattoos and designs all over, but we don't eat people.”
“B Ge, cut it out with the scare tactics.”
Collapse Sen and the others hesitantly took their seats. Suddenly, Da B turned to Collapse Sen and asked, “By the way, you're the director, right? What do you think of ‘A Better Tomorrow’?”
Collapse Sen was instantly energized, “It’s amazing! Absolutely amazing.”
Prior to this, he had been solely focused on making comedy films. He later attempted to switch to dramas, but every film he produced flopped. As a result, he was known as Collapse Sen!
This ‘A Better Tomorrow’ was different. He saw a reflection of himself in it, and he poured his entire heart and soul into the filming process.
Poisonous Hair, being the most sociable of the group, seized the opportunity to pour drinks for Lu Wen Dong and the others, “Big shots, the director put his heart and soul into this film.”
“Top-notch.”
“So, what do you guys think the box office will be?”
Collapse Sen and the others fell silent. After all, it was a film made by a group of disillusioned individuals. Would the market even accept it?
Lu Wen Dong raised his glass with a smile, “As long as the film is well-made, it's a success. Everything else is left to the market.”
“Right, right, right.”
Da B discussed with Thin Eye, “Have our guys show some support. The first day can't be too bad.”
Collapse Sen and the others felt their faces go green.
Lu Wen Dong turned to Collapse Sen, “Director, I have a screenplay for a reimagined version of the ‘Yang Nai Wu and Little Bai Cai’ story. It’s a romantic drama, and I plan to start shooting in a month. What do you think?”
The reason for the one-month delay was that the film city would only have a basic framework set up by then.
If it was just a piece of land, how could they shoot a film?
No one would believe their fabricated accounting statements.
Another film? A new project? Da B and the others immediately perked up their ears!