Chapter 19: The Astronomical Signing Fee

Teacher An furrowed his brow tightly; this man was certainly not someone easy to deal with.

Who was Mr. Yang? Teacher An was concerned with current affairs, attentive to the political climate, and kept up with news both at home and abroad—of course, he knew him.

The mountain of newspapers piled up at home was not mere decoration.

Whenever a new newspaper arrived, it would typically pass through three hands: the old gentleman, Teacher An, and Liu Jing.

The old gentleman was responsible for receiving the papers and casually flipping through them.

When Liu Jing was home, he would skim the headlines and then read whatever caught his interest.

After work, Teacher An would bring some newspapers with him, quietly perusing them before and after meals. When he read the papers, the television had to be off, no loud talking was allowed, and the room remained silent.

It seemed Wang Fatty hadn’t heard this, as he continued, “In 1974, director Zhang Che made a film called The Five Ancestors of Shaolin, which was a huge hit. Mr. Yang really liked the story and wanted me to remake the film, specifically appointing Li Lianjie to play one of the five ancestors.”

“Li Lianjie?” The women exchanged glances.

Wang Fatty sighed heavily, clearly troubled. “Professor An, this is just making things difficult. Li Lianjie is doable, but how do you find the other four? Should we call in Cheng Long, Chow Yun-fat, and Stephen Chow?”

“That would make the production cost astronomical,” Teacher An, who knew quite a bit about filmmaking, responded.

“Exactly, Professor An, you understand me.” Wang Fatty slapped his thigh with excitement. “Heaven still smiles upon me—Ah Xing entrusted me to bring this twenty thousand yuan to Mutou. That guy is stingy, but when it comes to business, he’s straightforward. You can take this money without hesitation; it’s what you deserve.”

“We weren’t about to refuse, Fatty. You’re getting off topic,” Auntie couldn’t help but prod, curious about what came next.

“Haha, thinking of Mutou gave me a sudden inspiration. Since we can’t find five big-name actors for the five ancestors, why not cast five kids? Li Lianjie can play Hong Xiguan, then find a kid to play Hong Xiguan’s son, Hong Wending—that would settle it.” Wang Fatty was visibly proud of his plan.

Auntie sneered, “So you thought of my Mutou? It’s just a movie, no need for contracts. With our friendship, a favor is enough.”

“Friendship is friendship; business is business. They’re two different things, and I, Wang Fatty, always know the difference.” Wang Jing pulled a document from his bag and handed it to Teacher An. “This is the contract drafted by the company. Professor An, as a cultured man, you can check if anything seems off.”

“Alright!” Teacher An took it casually but didn’t open it immediately.

“The role of Hong Wending belongs to Mutou, no doubt. I’m preparing The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber, which also has a role perfect for him. To avoid trouble, let Mutou play both parts. The boy is sensible and skilled—a promising talent. If you entrust him to me, he’ll be far more powerful than Stephen Chow. Within two years, he’ll bring you great wealth. Li Lianjie earns a hundred million a year; Mutou will soon too.” Wang Fatty’s eyes gleamed as if he saw piles of cash falling before him.

“No. He’s family, not a money-making machine.” Teacher An refused outright.

If it were just a film, Teacher An wouldn’t have objected.

Even if Liu Jing intended to enter showbiz, his family would support him.

They didn’t allow Aunt Liu to become a dancer—for the very reason that they feared scandalous behavior that would bring disgrace.

But this involved Yang Dengkui; Teacher An could hardly decide lightly.

Listening further to Wang Fatty, it was clear signing the contract meant long-term filming.

A four or five-year-old child spending every day on set—what would happen to him?

The money might come, but after a few years, the child would be ruined.

The behavior and temperaments of those in the Hong Kong and Taiwan entertainment industry, as Teacher An knew from newspapers, already made him frown deeply.

“Professor An, you should review this contract carefully before making a decision,” Wang Jing, wearing a smile like a Buddha of mercy, handed another contract to Aunt Liu.

He saw a flicker of desire in Aunt Liu’s eyes.

Indeed, Aunt Liu was tempted. Making money early was important; there would be plenty of time for studying later.

Besides, Liu Jing was self-taught, and she couldn’t match his current knowledge reserves.

As for whether the environment would spoil him—that was impossible.

What kind of person collects photos of female stars at such a young age?

Moreover, after two years of observation, she noticed her adopted son’s will was strong. He influenced others, not the other way around.

There were many clauses in the contract. Aunt Liu and Teacher An examined them carefully, their expressions gradually shifting.

Teacher An grew heavier, Aunt Liu more excited.

Auntie was restless, a cat scratching inside her heart.

She shot Wang Fatty a glare, prompting him to produce only two copies of the contract.

Wang Fatty spread his hands, as if that was all he had prepared, then explained, “The contract looks long, but it’s simple. After signing, Liu Jing must obey the company’s arrangements, of course regarding films and endorsements. Nothing dangerous will happen. The signing fee is one million for the first year, two million for the second, four million the third, eight million the fourth, sixteen million the fifth…”

Auntie’s eyes sparkled. She had once worked in the industry, and this signing fee was sky-high for a newcomer.

She counted on her fingers. “Then sign for twenty years. The twentieth year… uh, let me calculate properly. Ugh, I can’t figure it out. The tenth year is 512 million.”

“Wenqiong, if you calculate that way, twenty years would buy up the whole Hong Kong, and thirty years would buy America,” Wang Fatty, a high achiever, said confidently.

“Is America really that cheap?” Qianqian, who had been quietly listening, couldn’t help but ask.

Her mother and aunt often praised America, but now, if it could be bought in thirty years, maybe it wasn’t so great after all.

No one paid attention to the little girl’s question; everyone was focused on the contract.

“The contract is only for five years, with renewal based on circumstances. Five years is 31 million yuan, in RMB, not Hong Kong dollars, and after tax. Beyond that, the company will recommend business and endorsements for Liu Jing. All income is split 60/40—60% to you, 40% to us. This treatment is rare, even for experienced stars. Remember, when Chow Yun-fat signed, it was only 800,000.” Wang Fatty was passionate, as if he himself were the one signing.

“Alright!” Aunt Liu decided on the spot.

“No,” Teacher An and his wife spoke simultaneously, yet their words were completely opposite.

The couple exchanged a glance, electric sparks flashing coldly.

“Old An, don’t hold the child back. With your salary and royalties, you’ll never make ten million in your lifetime. After five years, Mutou will be ten, and school won’t be affected.” Aunt Liu insisted.

“Filming is fine, but it can’t interfere with schooling. Children must start school at the appropriate age; nine years of compulsory education is a national policy.” Teacher An was resolute.

“Mutou can self-study, and he’s diligent. Even without school, he can learn a lot and become a cultured person.” Aunt Liu snorted confidently, knowing her adopted son’s study ability—few could read a dictionary at three years old like him.

“I’ve never doubted his self-learning. But relying solely on self-study, he can only become knowledgeable, not cultured. School teaches more than knowledge; it imparts refinement…” Teacher An tried to reason, but Aunt Liu interrupted.

“After five years, once Mutou earns money, I can send him to study in America. The learning environment and teaching quality there can’t be matched at home.”

Teacher An suppressed his anger with outsiders present. “Hmph! Why don’t you send him to Mars to study? The environment there is even better.”

“Stop being unreasonable.”

“You’re the one making trouble.”

…