After parting ways with Brigitte Lin and Guan ZhiLin, Lin BaoCheng went to his office at Asia Television.
Once there, his secretary Qin Lan called Huang XiZhao's office to summon him, then went to prepare tea.
Since their offices were close, Huang arrived quickly.
"Manager Huang, sit," Lin said, gesturing. "How are preparations for Miss Asia?"
TVB had Miss Hong Kong, so Lin instructed ATV to organize Miss Asia.
Huang replied: "Preparations are nearly complete. In a few days, we'll begin promotion in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, and other Asian countries. To avoid excessive costs, we'll focus on Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Japan. In other countries, we'll only publish newspaper announcements."
Lin nodded. He didn't object. This was the first Miss Asia pageant. No need to overspend. After a few years, the contest would naturally gain recognition across Asia.
Huang continued: "As you requested, Miss Asia will differ from Miss Hong Kong. Judging will be based on beauty and figure. The most beautiful contestant with the best physique will be crowned Miss Asia."
Miss Asia had to be distinct. Otherwise, as an imitator, it could never surpass Miss Hong Kong.
Though people often said beauty shouldn't be the sole measure, in reality men preferred attractive women with alluring figures. Few exceptions existed.
"Contestant requirements: age 16–35, unmarried and childless, height above 160 cm, healthy, no disreputable occupations, no criminal record, and no prior participation in similar pageants."
"The competition will award Champion, First Runner‑Up, and Second Runner‑Up. Additionally, three special prizes: Sweetest Smile, Best Figure, and Most Talented. The First Runner‑Up will receive HK$50,000 cash and a staff worth HK$50,000. The Second Runner‑Up will receive HK$20,000 cash. Each special prize will award HK$10,000 cash."
"As for the Champion, the rewards are richest: HK$100,000 cash, a crown worth HK$100,000, and a contract to star in a television drama."
These rewards were lavish. Miss Hong Kong offered nothing comparable. Lin had specifically ordered ATV to set them.
In his view, only tangible benefits could attract more beautiful contestants, raising the quality of Miss Asia. The prize money meant little to him. This was just the first year. Future rewards would only grow.
After hearing the details, Lin asked: "Manager Huang, do you have confidence Miss Asia can surpass Miss Hong Kong?"
"I have confidence!" Huang replied firmly. But then added: "However, Mr. Lin, since Miss Asia is new, surpassing Miss Hong Kong in the first few years will be difficult."
"Don't worry. I don't expect you to beat Miss Hong Kong this year. It's been established for many years," Lin said, understanding. The gap couldn't be closed overnight.
"There's also something else," Huang said, relieved. "Last year's Miss Hong Kong champion, Chu LinLin, is dating a son of the Ho family. In April, while filming the drama Mary Kwan 77, Ho visited her set almost daily, watching her act for hours. Everyone knows about it."
"You mean Ho ChunTing?" Lin asked. He knew of it not from newspapers, but from his past life writing about 1980s entertainment, where he had researched the story.
"Yes," Huang nodded. "If the Ho family doesn't oppose, Chu LinLin may marry into the wealthy clan. Since she met him through Miss Hong Kong, this will greatly boost the pageant's reputation. Most women in Hong Kong dream of marrying rich. They'll see Miss Hong Kong as a shortcut, hoping to become the next Chu LinLin."
"You're right. This will make Miss Hong Kong famous. People will focus only on the champion marrying into wealth, ignoring everything else," Lin agreed.
But he couldn't change it. Unless he had pursued Chu LinLin himself last year and defeated Ho ChunTing, which was impossible — back then he was just a poor youth.
If he remembered correctly, Ho ChunTing was about twelve years older than Chu LinLin. Lin didn't believe she married him without considering his family's wealth. Ho wasn't handsome or especially talented. His only asset was money.
But money was a skill too. Lin didn't despise Ho, nor did he look down on Chu LinLin for her choice.
Men and women were alike: women valued wealth, men valued beauty. Neither side should scorn the other.
"So," Huang concluded, "in the first years, Miss Asia will struggle to surpass Miss Hong Kong. Only after time passes and the impact of Chu LinLin's marriage fades can Miss Asia rise above."
"Let's focus on doing our best," Lin said. "For the Miss Asia finals, unless something urgent arises, I'll attend — as a judge or to present the crown. Before the finals, I'll come if I have time, otherwise not."
"Your presence at the finals will greatly increase its prestige," Huang said quickly.
Lin didn't deny it. With his wealth and status in Hong Kong, attending Miss Asia's finals — even just to present an award — would add significant weight.
Afterward, Huang reported other major events at ATV in recent months: a contestant on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire answered 14 questions correctly, nearly winning the grand prize; and the station had founded a record company.