Wu Jiuping was so angry at Zhang Tianxing's words that he couldn't speak.
He pointed his finger at Zhang Tianxing and Yan Ruyu. Then he suddenly started laughing again.
"So what if you two are dating? Does that mean I can't pursue Yan Ruyu? You're not married yet, neither of you is married. We're following our hearts and maintaining propriety. I haven't done anything wrong, have I?"
Upon hearing Wu Jiuping's shameless words, Zhang Tianxing directly kicked him.
"Bang!" Wu Jiuping fell hard, landing on his backside in a "Falling Goose" pose.
Good heavens, Wu Jiuping rubbed his rear, it hurt!
Zhang Tianxing glared at him, "Wu Jiuping, I'm telling you, don't look for trouble. It's none of your business how far we go. I'm just telling you one thing: if Ruyu wants you to stay away from her, then stay away. She's not interested in you. If you harass her again, I'll make sure you regret it."
Hearing the chill in Zhang Tianxing's voice, Wu Jiuping didn't dare to be stubborn any longer.
This Zhang Tianxing really dared to act. Fine, a wise man doesn't fight when the odds are against him.
"Alright, I'll leave today. Zhang Tianxing, but I'm telling you, it's my freedom to like Yan Ruyu. You can't control that. As long as Yan Ruyu accepts me, we'll be a couple, and you'll have nothing to do with it."
Zhang Tianxing nodded repeatedly, "Yes, yes, yes, you're absolutely right."
Saying that, he slapped Wu Jiuping again. "If what you say is so right, then why hasn't Ruyu agreed to you? Be sensible, or you'll face the consequences."
Zhang Tianxing released Wu Jiuping, then forcefully patted Wu Jiuping's face with both hands.
Wu Jiuping trembled. He was afraid. He had figured out Zhang Tianxing's character.
There was nothing this kid wouldn't do. He was purely fearless.
A wise man doesn't fight when the odds are against him. His fists weren't as strong as Zhang Tianxing's. He'd let him be arrogant for now.
Wu Jiuping shouted, "Stop, I just remembered I have something to do. I'll come back another day!" With that, he sheepishly walked away.
Seeing Wu Jiuping's receding back, the surrounding crowd began to whisper.
"I originally thought this rich young master was truly in love, but now it seems not. Yesterday it was about cars and houses, and today, two slaps, and he's instantly cowered. I bet it was all for show."
"Exactly. I thought he was a warrior charging forward for love, but it turns out he was just seeking attention!"
"It seems the owners of the Lobster Hotpot are a perfect match, truly beauty and wealth."
"Yes, even though the female boss is eight years older, I feel like being older means she'll be more caring. This young boss is lucky."
Hearing the crowd's remarks, Zhang Tianxing directly instructed the waiter to bring out some pastries and cigarettes to distribute.
They were all people of the world, so some polite words to smooth things over would suffice.
Back in the room, Guo Jiajia gave Zhang Tianxing a thumbs-up.
"Zhang Tianxing, you've got skills. You lectured that Wu Jiuping like a grandfather scolding his grandson. I saw how deeply afraid Wu Jiuping was of you. He didn't dare say anything even after you slapped him."
Guo Jiajia was genuinely happy to see Wu Jiuping embarrassed.
She had seen annoying people before, but never someone so utterly repulsive.
Yan Ruyu had made her feelings clear, yet that Wu Jiuping still urged everyone to chant "together, together." Together with whom, for goodness sake?
Zhang Tianxing mused, "Wu Jiuping might be plotting something bad. Anyway, I don't like either of those brothers. They've both gotten on the wrong side of me. They're probably coming after me. If they have something to say, they should say it directly to me, and let me teach them a lesson."
Hearing Zhang Tianxing's words, both women laughed, "Alright, Boss Zhang, you're amazing. If one didn't know better, they'd think you were a gang leader."
"Naturally. I haven't been a leader for many years. Oh, right. After the money comes in, don't forget to transfer it to Zhou Xingxing. The contract is already signed." Zhang Tianxing assigned the task to Guo Jiajia.
Truly Zhang Pipi, always assigning work no matter the situation. Guo Jiajia gritted her teeth in annoyance. This Zhang Tianxing was something else.
Oh well, take the money, solve the problems.
...
Zhou Xingxing returned to Hong Kong and immediately assembled the film crew.
He then announced the establishment of the "King of Comedy" film crew to the public.
This immediately caused a huge stir.
"Zhou Xingxing, this isn't five years ago. Your era has passed. Accept your fate. Can man truly conquer heaven?"
"Exactly. While A Chinese Odyssey was a hit five years ago, it doesn't mean the films you've made in recent years will be successful. If you have that much confidence, why not just re-release your old bad movies from years ago and make money?"
"I can't believe you found Tianxing Investment Company. Even funnier is that the company dared to invest in you. Don't they know you're a box office poison?"
"That's right, Zhou Xingxing. If you really can't make it, just be a rich man at home. Don't make movies anymore. The era of Hong Kong cinema has already ended, just give it up."
"Also, who can you even invite to cooperate with you now? You have no influence anymore. Don't waste money. You've exhausted your past successes."
Unfavorable opinions poured in, but none of it affected Zhou Xingxing's determination to continue making movies.
The more you mock me, the more you fear my success.
Failing isn't a big deal. As long as I learn from this failure, then this failure has meaning.
I didn't expect so many people to not have faith in me. It seems I've done poorly these past five years.
"Icy cold for three feet isn't the work of one day." Zhou Xingxing understood this well.
You can't change public perception in a short time. All you need to do now is to do your own job well.
Let facts speak for themselves, rather than spending time trying to convince others.
You need to spend your time enriching yourself. Only the results can prove your worth.
I am not box office poison. I can make a comeback.
For the female lead in this film, Zhou Xingxing originally intended to use a newcomer.
Because the old actors wouldn't share the screen with him anymore, fearing their reputations would be ruined.
Fortunately, Zhang Tianxing recommended Hao Fangfang to him, a mainland actress.
Zhou Xingxing had seen Hao Fangfang's dramas and felt she was quite suited for the role of the female lead in "King of Comedy."
The Hong Kong entertainment industry witnessed Zhou Xingxing's courage in this all-or-nothing battle.
Gradually, more crew members joined, and finally, the production team was assembled.
Zhou Xingxing looked at everyone with relief, "Time is tight, and the task is heavy. I'll keep this brief. Due to my reputation as box office poison for the past five years, please be prepared. I'm aiming for a comeback this time, so my requirements will be very high. I hope you are mentally prepared."
Others laugh at me for being box office poison for five years, but what you don't know is that in these five years, I've understood the reasons for the failure of Hong Kong films.
In this film, I will not repeat any of the mistakes made in the past five years.
I will show you all a different Zhou Xingxing. I can still make movies, and I can still win awards.
The "King of Comedy" film crew immediately plunged into busy filming.