Chow Yun‑Fat knew he was still just a minor actor. Even though the big boss Lin BaoCheng valued him, that didn't change his status. Sensibly, after a brief chat, he excused himself and left.
At the set, Lin also saw the three actresses playing the female leads in Chameleon. Two were very familiar to him, while the third took him a while to recognize.
Zhao YaZhi and Mi Xue were faces Lin knew well. The last was Wei QiuHua. It took him some time to recall that she had played the middle‑aged Huang Rong in the 1995 Gu TianLe and Li RuoTong version of The Return of the Condor Heroes.
At this time, Wei QiuHua was only 20. Since her only memorable role was that 1995 Huang Rong, Lin's failure to recognize her immediately was natural.
Unlike Zhao YaZhi and Mi Xue, whose appearances hadn't changed much decades later — only younger now — Lin could recognize them even without having specifically recruited them to Asia Television.
"How are the ratings for Jaws? I remember Crocodile Tears, released in April, was also produced by Mai DangXiong and was a huge hit. At the preview, advertisers even signed new contracts on the spot," Lin asked Li ZhaoXiong.
When Crocodile Tears aired, Lin had been in Hong Kong but focused on Hutchison Whampoa. He only later heard from Huang XiZhao in Los Angeles that the drama had become a sensation.
Before Li could answer, Brigitte Lin spoke: "The ratings for Jaws must be good. I've been watching it during my time in Hong Kong. I think it's excellent."
Li nodded: "Jaws hasn't matched Crocodile Tears, but it has beaten TVB and CTV soundly. Ratings are strong."
Lin was about to ask more when he saw Huang XiZhao approaching with Xiao RuoYuan, Mai DangXiong, and others.
He turned to Brigitte Lin: "Qingxia, let me have someone take you to the Snake in the Eagle's Shadow set. I'll join you later."
"No problem, Mr. Lin. You go ahead," she smiled.
Still, Lin arranged for her to be escorted. He couldn't leave her waiting idly.
Watching her depart, Lin asked Huang XiZhao: "Manager Huang, how is CTV's July Offensive performing? July is more than half over, and August is just over a week away."
Huang smiled: "CTV produced several major dramas in July — Celebrity Love Stories, Golden Blade Hero, Mystery Theater, and Vanguard. But all performed poorly. Asia Television suppressed them across the board. CTV spent heavily, but ratings disappointed. They'll face trouble soon."
"Then handle it as you see fit. Poach any talent you find worthwhile — the more, the better," Lin said. He expected CTV to collapse next month or the month after. Then only Asia Television and TVB would remain.
"Regardless of CTV's fate, it's no longer our rival. Our future opponent is TVB. Be prepared," Lin reminded.
"Don't worry, Mr. Lin. TVB's dramas don't rate higher than ours. Only Enjoy Yourself Tonight has some appeal. We already have plans to counter it," Huang replied.
"Mr. Lin!"
Lin turned at Wu SiYuan's voice — and was immediately struck by the girl beside him.
She was young, about high‑school age, with long hair and bright eyes. Cute and fresh, she looked like the school goddess every boy dreamed of.
Brigitte Lin — Lin recognized her instantly. The youthful goddess who would one day play Thirteenth Aunt.
"But why is Brigitte Lin with Wu SiYuan?" Lin wondered. They weren't relatives.
"Brother Lin!"
Before Lin could greet them, Brigitte ran up excitedly, eyes full of admiration. "It's wonderful! I finally get to meet Brother Lin!"
Lin had risen to fame last year with his novel Storm Riders: The Conqueror. Most of his fans were male. Female fans grew after he bought Asia Television and was revealed as a billionaire. His takeover of Hutchison Whampoa made him a legend in the media. Many young people idolized him.
"Brother Lin" was the special nickname his young female fans used.
"Hello," Lin said, smiling. Seeing such a beautiful girl look at him with admiration filled him with pride and vanity.
"Brother Lin, my name is Guan JiaHui. I'm your fan! Meeting you is amazing. I'm so happy!"
She was thrilled, holding his arm. Lin didn't push her away. Though she looked younger than him, she was already a charming beauty. He had no reason to reject her closeness.
Lin laughed: "JiaHui, hello. Having a beautiful young fan like you is my honor."
"Heehee~~" Guan JiaHui giggled, delighted to hear her idol call her a beauty.
Wu SiYuan explained: "Mr. Lin, JiaHui is the daughter of veteran actor Guan Shan. She just entered the entertainment industry under the stage name Brigitte Lin. I recommended her to Asia Television."
Wu had ties to Guan Shan and owed him favors. Knowing Starshine Pictures belonged to Lin, Guan asked him to help his daughter.
Originally, Guan Shan had wanted to place her at CTV. But seeing CTV's decline and Asia Television's rapid rise under Lin, he chose Asia instead, hoping his daughter would have a better future after graduating.
"So JiaHui is an Asia Television artist. That makes her one of us," Lin said, smiling at her. Inwardly, he thought: since she was now part of Asia Television, he would have many chances to meet her. He was confident he could win over this beautiful young starlet within a year or two.