Chapter 23: It Is Also the Martial World

Over the course of three days, Lin Jianlu completed four performances. After deducting his agent's commission, he pocketed a net profit of 630,000 Hong Kong dollars. Of course, he would still need to file and pay taxes on this, but that was a concern for next year—which was, in fact, the original intention behind his plan to earn money in Hong Kong and Taiwan.

During this era in Hong Kong, a standard full-time job typically paid over 10,000 Hong Kong dollars a month, while white-collar workers generally earned between 15,000 and 25,000. Although the cost of living was high, the overall purchasing power was far beyond that of the average person on the mainland, who might make five or eight hundred yuan a month. Consequently, it was much easier for entertainers to earn money in Hong Kong as well.

Royalty settlements in the record industry were notoriously slow because the process of tracking sales and collecting payments was sluggish. Therefore, despite the massive success of "Cold to the End," other than the 10,000-dollar signing bonus he received when he first joined Rock Records, this 630,000 Hong Kong dollars was actually the first income Lin Jianlu had earned since his transmigration.

Fortunately, while it came late, the amount was substantial. It was enough to buy three 80-square-meter apartments in the Fangchengyuan area near the Second Ring Road, or even a small, private courtyard house with a hundred square meters of interior space! When he returned, he could finally prove to his mother that he was no longer the penniless youth she once looked down upon.

On April 17, Lin Jianlu went to visit Lo Ta-yu’s Music Factory. He had planned to go for some time, and after a last-minute phone call from Gigi Leung, he decided to bring her and his assistant, Lin Xilei, along.

His two agents were worth their salt. Beyond shielding him from the dangers of the industry and helping with business contacts, they had spent years navigating the entertainment world and were well-versed in its lore. A bit of background information was enough to reveal the history and tangled webs of the industry. Music Factory was a record label Lo Ta-yu had established in Hong Kong in 1990. A joint venture between himself and Rock Records, it served as a subsidiary and a forward base for Rock Records in Hong Kong.

It was said that when the company first opened, besides taking on film score contracts and releasing smash-hit movie soundtracks like "Laughing Proudly in the Vast Sea" and "Red Dust," Lo Ta-yu had great ambitions. He had signed two singers, a man and a woman, intending to groom them into stars. But clearly, even someone as talented as Lo Ta-yu could not guarantee success for everyone he promoted.

Ultimately, the record industry is an industry, and even a great talent's inspiration is not inexhaustible. Yuan Fengying signed in 1991 and released three albums; while one reached platinum status, she remained far from mainstream fame. When her contract expired in 1994, she announced her retirement from the music scene. Anthony Wong also signed in 1991 and released several albums before switching to East Asia Music in 1995.

As of today, Music Factory had largely devolved into Lo Ta-yu's private studio, sustaining itself by taking on film score jobs. Furthermore, many singers from the Rock Records family were Hong Kong locals active in the city year-round; when they needed to record, they would often come to Music Factory to rent the studio. It was somewhat melancholy that a joint venture would have to charge its own family for studio time just to keep the lights on. In fact, since Yuan Fengying announced her retirement in 1994, Lo Ta-yu had become somewhat despondent, believing his peak years were behind him, and he had produced little work recently.

Since they hadn't made an appointment and only called on the way, Lo Ta-yu was naturally thrilled and very happy to see them. During his previous trip to Taiwan, he had spent quite a while talking with Lin Jianlu and clearly appreciated his talent.

Upon arriving at Music Factory, Lin Jianlu discovered that the place was unusually lively. Not only were James Wong and Brigitte Lin there, but the renowned director Johnnie To, a screenwriter named Yau Nai-hoi, and the Taiwanese actress Jacklyn Wu were also present.

Lin Jianlu had been briefed on this as well: although Jacklyn Wu was Taiwanese, she had been discovered and mentored by Johnnie To, debuting as the female lead in Benny Chan’s 1990 film *A Moment of Romance*, which shot her to stardom. Johnnie To had even served as her manager, protecting her career and casting her opposite stars like Andy Lau and Leslie Cheung. She had even signed with a record label and released an album, winning the 1994 Best Newcomer Award at the Hong Kong Gold Songs Awards. Just recently, Johnnie To had founded Milkyway Image, and it was said he was preparing his debut project; he was no longer just a great director, but a major player in the industry.

As Lo Ta-yu made introductions and everyone exchanged greetings, Brigitte Lin caught sight of Gigi Leung and immediately teased, "Wow, Ah Lu, you’ve already captured a beauty? That’s so heartbreaking!"

James Wong slapped his thigh and laughed heartily, clearly recalling the humorous events of that night. Lin Jianlu had to quickly explain, "Gigi and I are just friends, don't say such things! My heart has always been with you, Sister Brigitte, but... you never tell me where your room is!"

Brigitte Lin laughed, "If you ask me to dinner tonight, maybe I’ll tell you!" The whole room erupted in laughter.

In such a setting, Gigi Leung, who had always been shy and not very eloquent, lacked the courage to speak up. She simply maintained a professional smile, letting Lin Jianlu handle the banter, and could only blush and laugh along.

After sitting down and chatting, they learned that Johnnie To had slightly reduced his output in recent years to focus on his new company. His debut project for Milkyway Image likely had no role for Jacklyn Wu, and she was feeling restless, hoping to sign with a new record label to make an album for fun.

Johnnie To, not being musically inclined, had come to Lo Ta-yu to scout the market, perhaps even testing the waters to see if Lo would be willing to produce an album for Jacklyn. It just so happened that James Wong and Brigitte Lin had already arranged to drink with Lo that day, leading to the rare, crowded scene at the quiet Music Factory.

Seeing Lin Jianlu, Jacklyn Wu’s eyes brightened. Before long, she began probing, likely wanting to ask if Lin Jianlu would be willing to write a few songs for her. But before she could finish, Lin Jianlu headed her off—she was part of Johnnie To’s camp, and he was simply too handsome.

Sister Ge had specifically warned him: "Your good looks are a huge asset to your career, but you must be very careful when navigating the world. Do not lightly accept the overtures of women, especially those with powerful backers."

The entertainment industry is a world of its own, and no one rises to the top without a strategy. If you provoke a woman, before you even get a taste of the sweetness, you might end up offending someone powerful. "We aren't afraid of anyone," she had said, "but there is no reason to offend people and create obstacles for your own career just for a woman." Jacklyn Wu clearly fell into this category.

Sure enough, upon hearing Lin Jianlu’s polite refusal, Johnnie To was not offended in the slightest. Instead, he said warmly, "Your album is selling like crazy recently. Do you want to make a cameo in my new film?"

Lin Jianlu smiled. Even if he hadn't made enough money, he had no interest in acting. As a singer, he had made hundreds of thousands in just four performances—and that was just a side gig to his record sales. The hard work of filming for two months as an actor would yield a similar amount. In this era, the status of a major pop star was far higher than that of an actor. "Sure, let’s see how the schedule works! But I have to warn you, I don't know how to act! Don't blame me for wasting your film if I keep fluffing my lines!"

Johnnie To burst into laughter.

Since they had stumbled into a drinking session, there was no escaping it. By midday, they were drinking in the restaurant downstairs from Music Factory. Gigi Leung’s tolerance seemed decent, but after two glasses of brandy, her face began to flush. Lin Jianlu immediately blocked any further drinks for her, drawing more teasing from Brigitte Lin.

Even James Wong was dissatisfied, "A young woman blushing is the most beautiful sight in the world! You trying to stop it is truly boring! You can touch what’s hidden under the clothes, but you should at least let us look at what’s exposed!"

Gigi Leung, already blushing, became so embarrassed she couldn't lift her head.

Lin Jianlu decided to challenge James Wong to a drinking contest. He downed three glasses in a row, leaving Wong with a glassy stare and noticeably fewer words. Brigitte Lin, enjoying the spectacle, poked fun, "Your tolerance is that good? It seems it won't be easy to get you drunk and take advantage of you!" This drew another round of laughter from the table.

Lin Jianlu had only recently discovered this hidden talent—he could hold his liquor! He rarely drank in his previous life, and even then, never more than a bottle of beer. But while recording in the capital, he had naturally hosted friends, using the recording budget to treat them to meals. Over time, he realized that no matter how much he drank, he never felt intoxicated.

The most he had ever consumed was a kilogram of high-proof Erguotou, and he remained completely sober, going about his business as usual. Ever since then, he was never intimidated by any drinking occasion.

After the meal, they returned to Music Factory to sober up with tea. Lo Ta-yu was in high spirits and suggested they take a group photo, calling over his staff to join in.

Lo Ta-yu, a slightly dazed James Wong, and Johnnie To sat in the center on the sofa. Lin Jianlu had intended to stand in the back, but Lo Ta-yu pulled him over and had someone move the sofa so Lin could sit in an armchair. Brigitte Lin had originally intended to sit in the other armchair, but politely gave it to Jacklyn Wu. She then stood up, ignored Gigi Leung and Lin Xilei standing behind Lin Jianlu’s sofa, and sat directly on the armrest of Lin Jianlu's seat, resting her fair, bare arm casually across his shoulder.

With a *click*, the moment was captured.