"Lin‑sir, very honored to get your personal invite, I'm ready to join Starshine Films."
Among the five, Raymond Wong Pak‑Ming was the first to speak up, agreeing to join.
Unlike Mak Ka, Sammo Hung, John Woo, and Tsang Chi‑Wai, Wong was mainly a scriptwriter. For years he had been in TV, only entering film writing two years ago. His fame wasn't huge yet, so for a big boss like Lin BaoCheng to personally invite him — with Starshine's future looking bright — he had no reason to refuse.
For Wong, this was a rare chance, a true opportunity.
"Welcome aboard. From now, the company's script department will be under your management."
Lin was pleased. Of all the invitees, Wong was the only writer. Though he had acted at TVB earlier, his looks limited his acting career, so writing was his main path.
Lin, having seen many of Wong's scripts in his past life, knew he was a hit‑maker. A good script is the backbone of cinema, even if writers rank below directors and actors.
"Thank you, Lin‑boss!" Wong immediately changed his address, feeling his choice was right — suddenly he was department head.
"The company is just starting, we need talents like you. This position is deserved." Lin waved it off. If Wong's ability matched what Lin remembered, he was perfect. If not, Lin could always replace him later.
Then Lin looked at the others: "What about you all?"
Sammo Hung spoke carefully: "Sorry, Lin‑sir, I need to think. I've been with Golden Harvest seven years, got feelings there. Plus, I've got a whole team depending on me. I can't decide alone."
"No problem. Take your time. Give me an answer within a month." Lin nodded. He valued Sammo highly — in the 80s and 90s, he was a superstar. Lin added: "You could even bring the whole Hung Family Stunt Team out of Golden Harvest, form your own company. If it became a Starshine subsidiary or if we invested, even better."
The Hung Family had many rising stars — Jackie Chan was there, Lam Ching‑Ying too. Talent everywhere. If they left Golden Harvest and joined Starshine, it would both strengthen Lin's side and weaken his rival.
Sammo sighed: "I'll need to discuss with them. The benefits are clear, but leaving Golden Harvest feels like betrayal. I'm not sure yet."
Lin nodded: "Understandable. It's a big decision. Take your time."
John Woo then spoke: "Sorry, Lin‑sir. I appreciate the invite, but Golden Harvest treats me well. My film Money Crazy was last year's runner‑up at the box office. They value me. No need to leave for a new company."
Lin replied calmly: "You can reconsider. But if you insist, I won't force it."
Woo thanked him, but excused himself, clearly firm in staying. Lin and Wu SiYuan tried to keep him for dinner, but he politely left.
Then Tsang Chi‑Wai said: "Lin‑sir, thank you for your trust. I'll join Starshine — as long as I can direct films."
Tsang had only been at Golden Harvest two years, working as assistant director and scriptwriter. If Starshine gave him a chance to direct, he was eager.
Lin promised: "You'll get three chances to direct. If all three films fail to profit, then you'll step back to assistant director, gain experience, and wait for another chance."
"Thank you, Lin‑boss! I won't disappoint." Tsang was thrilled. Three chances was unheard of — at Golden Harvest, one flop could end a career.
"Work hard," Lin encouraged, then turned to Mak Ka, the last undecided.
Mak Ka said: "Lin‑sir, I prefer to cooperate via a company. I'll think about the exact form later."
He had already tried forming a company in 1973, though it failed. He now wanted to try again, partnering with Starshine for bigger profits.
Lin smiled: "As long as you're willing to cooperate, that's enough. The details can wait."
He was glad. Mak Ka, the bald actor he remembered from many films, left a strong impression. In fact, Mak Ka would later become one of the three founders of Cinema City in 1980 — alongside Wong Pak‑Ming. The third founder Lin vaguely recalled was another actor.