"Brother Luo, Miss Liu, you must be tired after the trip. Welcome, welcome."
With his signature warm smile, Andy Lau personally stepped forward, accompanied by director Andrew Lau, Mak Siu-fai, and several others, to receive Luo Zheng and his group.
Luo Zheng smiled and shook hands with everyone one by one.
When it was Shu Qi's turn, his hand lingered for a brief moment longer than necessary.
Her palm was smooth, delicate, and warm.
The texture of her skin was exceptional—soft enough to rival Liu Xiaoli's mature elegance.
Still, in Luo Zheng's mind, it was not quite on the same level as Qianqian's youthful softness.
After the introductions, everyone was invited into Ying Yi's VIP lounge.
The room was spacious and tastefully decorated, with warm lighting, deep red carpets, and soft leather sofas arranged around a low tea table.
Fresh tea and exquisite snacks were quickly brought in.
Only after everyone had taken their seats did Andy Lau's expression turn slightly apologetic.
"Brother Luo, there may be a small complication with today's signing."
Luo Zheng raised an eyebrow.
"What happened, Brother Wah?"
Andy Lau gave a helpless smile.
"Somehow, the bosses from Media Asia and Emperor Entertainment found out you were visiting me today."
"They specifically informed me that they also wanted to come over and meet you."
"I truly had no way to refuse. I hope Brother Luo won't mind."
Leaning comfortably against the sofa, Luo Zheng waved his hand dismissively.
"It's fine."
He smiled faintly.
"Brother Wah probably doesn't know me very well yet."
"I'm someone who enjoys making friends the most."
The moment those words fell, Mak Siu-fai slapped his thigh and laughed.
"Well said! I, Mak Siu-fai, also love making friends the most."
He even lifted his teacup as if proposing a toast.
The atmosphere instantly lightened.
But before Luo Zheng could respond, a knock sounded at the door.
An assistant stepped in and respectfully informed them that the two bosses had arrived.
Andy Lau looked slightly surprised.
They had come from different parts of the city, yet somehow managed to arrive together.
Still, he did not dwell on it.
He quickly stood up and personally went out to welcome them.
As the guest of honor, Luo Zheng naturally remained seated, leisurely lifting his teacup for another sip.
Across from him, Liu Xiaoli quietly watched.
The more she observed him, the more conflicted she felt.
The man in front of her felt like two entirely different people.
In private, he could be reckless, impulsive, and shamelessly flirtatious.
But in moments like this, he transformed completely.
Calm.
Composed.
Sharp.
A young business tycoon with a presence far beyond his age.
For a moment, even she could not tell which side was the real Luo Zheng.
Or perhaps both were.
Before she could think further, laughter and footsteps approached from outside.
Only then did Luo Zheng slowly rise.
The door opened.
Two middle-aged men entered side by side with broad smiles.
"This must be President Luo of Marvel Entertainment!"
"Truly, seeing you in person is better than hearing a hundred rumors."
"So young and already so accomplished."
"President Luo, welcome to Hong Kong. You must allow me the honor of hosting you."
The two men almost competed to reach him first.
One was Lin Jianyue of Media Asia.
The other was Albert Yeung of Emperor Entertainment.
Both stepped forward enthusiastically and each grabbed one of Luo Zheng's hands.
Their warmth bordered on excessive.
Luo Zheng smiled politely, but his gaze instinctively swept behind them.
Media Asia's side was simple.
Only two young assistants followed behind.
Emperor Entertainment, however, was a completely different scene.
Beauty everywhere.
A true display of style.
Standing behind Albert Yeung was Mani Fok, poised and elegant.
A little farther back stood two girls whose faces were almost identical.
The newly explosive idol duo—Twins.
Charlene Choi
Gillian Chung
Ah Sa and Ah Jiao.
Both were secretly staring at Luo Zheng with bright, curious eyes.
So handsome.
So refined.
Compared to him, Edison Chen suddenly seemed more like a rebellious street kid.
Luo Zheng naturally had no interest in reading their thoughts right now.
After another round of handshakes and pleasantries, everyone took their seats again.
The VIP room suddenly felt noticeably crowded.
For the first time, even Andy Lau felt his office was too small for the people gathered here.
After a few light jokes, the atmosphere quickly shifted toward business.
At this point, only four people truly held the right to lead the conversation.
Luo Zheng.
Andy Lau.
Lin Jianyue.
Albert Yeung.
Everyone else naturally became listeners.
Liu Xiaoli sat in the back with Xixi, Shu Qi, Mani Fok, and the others.
Although they chatted softly among themselves, their attention kept drifting toward Luo Zheng.
Especially the women.
Their eyes returned to him again and again.
Lin Jianyue was the first to speak.
"President Luo, I came today for two reasons."
"First, to make your acquaintance."
"Second, regarding the investment for Infernal Affairs."
Luo Zheng gave a faint smile.
"First, thank you for the courtesy, Mr. Lin."
"Second, Brother Wah already told me about Media Asia's previous involvement yesterday."
"I believe this is simply fair business competition."
The moment those words landed, Lin Jianyue's expression shifted slightly.
This young man was far from simple.
He had smoothly seized the moral high ground before the real negotiation even began.
No wonder a twenty-one-year-old could firmly sit in the chairman's seat of a U.S.-listed company.
But Lin Jianyue was an old fox in his own right.
He immediately smiled and took a softer approach.
"You're absolutely right."
"It was indeed Media Asia's fault."
"Our funding situation became tight, and we had no choice but to reduce the investment midway."
"That naturally caused inconvenience for Director Lau and Director Mak."
Luo Zheng stopped him there.
"Mr. Lin, please speak directly."
Lin Jianyue laughed.
"President Luo is truly straightforward."
"Then I'll be blunt."
"Media Asia hopes to participate in Infernal Affairs together with you."
"We don't need a large share."
"A little profit is enough."
The room instantly fell silent.
Everyone's eyes turned toward Luo Zheng.
Even Andrew Lau and Mak Siu-fai unconsciously held their breath.
After a brief pause, Luo Zheng nodded.
"Alright."
"But the film copyrights remain with Blue Whale."
Lin Jianyue's face immediately lit up.
"No problem!"
His true purpose had never been the profit.
What he wanted was the connection.
Once the first cooperation was established, future international projects would naturally become easier to discuss.
Before anyone could fully relax, Albert Yeung suddenly spoke.
"Wait."
The atmosphere paused again.
He turned toward Luo Zheng with a smiling face.
"President Luo, would Emperor Entertainment have any room to participate as well?"
Luo Zheng looked at him calmly.
"Mr. Yeung is also interested in this project?"
Albert Yeung smiled without shame.
"Of course."
"Any project President Luo chooses to invest in must have tremendous potential."
Everyone present could hear the flattery in his words.
Even Lin Jianyue inwardly cursed him for being shameless.
Luo Zheng, however, simply smiled.
"I'm afraid that won't be possible."
"The investment amount for Infernal Affairs isn't particularly large."
"Now that Mr. Lin has joined as well, there really isn't much room left."
Albert Yeung sighed dramatically, though he clearly had expected the answer.
"What a pity."
"Then if President Luo has any new projects in the future, please remember Emperor Entertainment."
Luo Zheng nodded.
"Of course."
With that, the negotiation ended far more smoothly than Andy Lau had imagined.
There was no confrontation.
No hidden hostility.
Everything had been settled elegantly.
Lawyers were quickly summoned to draft the contract on the spot.
With Media Asia joining, the total investment was raised to 40 million Hong Kong dollars.
Most importantly—
all copyrights belonged exclusively to Blue Whale Entertainment, including the rights to develop the two future sequels.
When Andrew Lau and Mak Siu-fai saw this, they exchanged excited looks.
They understood immediately.
Luo Zheng was not simply investing.
He genuinely believed in this project.
The film had not even begun shooting, yet he was already securing sequel rights.
That level of confidence alone was astonishing.
But what truly shocked everyone happened during the signing itself.
The person who signed on behalf of Blue Whale Entertainment—
was not Luo Zheng.
It was Liu Xiaoli.
The woman who had remained almost invisible throughout the entire negotiation.
At that moment, Lin Jianyue and Albert Yeung exchanged meaningful glances.
Their estimation of Luo Zheng rose yet again.
Offshore structure.
Proxy shareholders.
Behind-the-scenes control.
At twenty-one, he was already playing capital like an old master.
Truly—
the younger generation was terrifying.
With the contracts signed and the business concluded, the evening had already grown late.
And now came the favorite part for men like them.
The celebration banquet.