Starshine Films.
For convenience, Lin BaoCheng arranged for Starshine Films' office to be located in Kowloon Tong, near Broadcast Drive. This way, if actors were needed from Asia Television, it would be easy to coordinate.
Although the office was in Kowloon Tong, because Lin had only injected HK$20 million into Starshine Films, the building was rented. He planned that once Starshine Films earned tens of millions or even hundreds of millions in profit, then he would consider buying an office building.
This was not Lin's first visit here, but today he came specifically to meet someone.
Jackie Chan (Cheng Long), who had only started acting at Lo Wei Motion Pictures two years earlier, had just had his contract bought out by Wu SiYuan for HK$1 million. From today onward, Jackie was officially an actor under Starshine Films.
Yesterday, Wu learned from Sammo Hung about Jackie's situation. Believing strongly in Jackie's potential, he sought Lin's approval. Lin immediately agreed, saying that as long as the cost did not exceed HK$5 million, Jackie's contract could be bought.
Wu was surprised by Lin's decisiveness, but he wasn't about to waste money. With a lawyer, he pressured Lo Wei — carrot and stick — until Lo Wei reluctantly transferred Jackie's contract to Starshine.
Lo Wei had valued Jackie, hoping to make him the "next Bruce Lee." But Jackie's pay was low: HK$3,000 monthly, plus a few tens of thousands per film. He was treated like a minor actor, despite starring in profitable films. Naturally, Jackie was dissatisfied and wanted out.
Because of Jackie's attitude, and knowing Starshine's backer was the wealthy Lin BaoCheng, Lo Wei grudgingly accepted HK$1 million and let Jackie go — parting on decent terms.
Wu SiYuan brought Jackie into Lin's office: "Yuen‑Lou, this is Chairman Lin."
"Hello, Chairman Lin," Jackie bowed respectfully.
"Mind if I call you Dragon Boy (Long Zai)?" Lin asked, studying the young man. Jackie was in his early twenties, older than Lin by several years, but Lin's achievements far surpassed his. He wasn't about to call Jackie "Brother Dragon."
With Lin's status, he wasn't chasing stars — he was the one who would make them.
"Of course, Chairman Lin," Jackie replied quickly, unbothered by the nickname.
"Dragon Boy, you've got a great look. The company plans to promote you. Here are two contracts — choose one."
Jackie listened intently. This was about his career.
Lin explained: "First contract: Seven‑year term. You must stay seven years unless you break it, with a HK$100 million penalty. Because the penalty is so high, the company will invest heavily in you.
At least two films per year, with you as lead. Each film's budget no less than HK$500,000. Over seven years, 14 films guaranteed, regardless of profit.
If the company defaults, it pays you HK$10 million. Better to spend that on films, so you won't be neglected.
Your pay starts at HK$100,000 per film, rising with profits and market trends.
Signing bonus: HK$500,000."
"Thank you, Chairman Lin!" Jackie was thrilled. This guaranteed him at least HK$2 million over seven years. By age 31, he'd have starred in 14 films. Surely he'd become famous.
"Don't thank me yet. Hear the second contract." Lin smiled.
"Second contract: Fifteen‑year term. Penalty for breach: HK$500 million. If the company defaults, it pays you HK$50 million.
Same guarantees: two films per year, lead roles, HK$100,000 starting pay.
Signing bonus: HK$2 million.
Most importantly: At least five Hollywood films starring you, each with a budget of no less than US$5 million. We'll push you into the U.S. market, into Hollywood."
"US$25 million — over HK$100 million. That's why the contract is longer. Once we make you a star, we can't let you leave immediately. I'm sure you understand."
"Choose carefully."
Jackie didn't hesitate: "Chairman Lin, no need to think. I choose the second!"
Though longer, the benefits were far greater. Hollywood was the key. If successful, he'd be a global superstar.
"Are you sure?" Lin asked again.
"I'm sure. No need to reconsider!" Jackie nodded firmly. With HK$2 million upfront, plus guaranteed films, even in the worst case he'd earn millions. There was no reason to refuse.
Lin said no more, instructing Jackie to bring a lawyer to finalize the contract with Starshine.
Wu SiYuan had doubts about such generous terms, but Lin was the boss. Lin believed in Jackie's future and wanted to make him shine.
Though costly now, Lin knew it wasn't a loss. Jackie's future achievements would justify the investment. If not for fear of rejection, Lin would have offered a 20‑year contract or longer.