Chapter 76: Anti-Gang Protest

The day after Xiao Ran was attacked, the news spread rapidly through the film industry at the urging of Liang Jiabao. The film industry already had a peculiar relationship with the gangsters—interwoven and inseparable. On one hand, the film industry hoped to maintain a separate existence from the gangsters, but it was an undeniable fact that the gangsters had infiltrated the industry.

Thus, a relatively calm relationship had persisted between the gangsters and the film industry. However, the gangsters wanted to break the monopoly of the three major film companies to make huge profits. But each of these companies had its own power base, not something the gangsters could easily challenge. Moreover, film companies were nominally legitimate entities, holding significant advantages over the gangsters.

The standoff between the gangsters and the film industry had lasted for years, and the film industry had always been annoyed by the gangsters’ intrusion into their domain. Now that Xiao Ran, a man with considerable influence and reputation in the industry, had been attacked, the film industry immediately felt a severe threat from the gangsters.

Especially since the incident was caused by Lian Shengying, who broke the rules by demanding 200,000 in protection money from Shadow. The whole matter was closely related to the film industry, so how could they ignore it? Upon learning of Xiao Ran’s injury, New Art City, which had a good relationship with him, immediately declared its determination to fight against the gangsters to the end.

A press conference was even held, with Xu Ke, who rarely appeared in front of reporters, showing up and raging in response to their questions, his beard almost standing on end from anger: “It’s not new for the gangsters to invade the film industry. Now, Xiao Ran, the top screenwriter in Hong Kong’s film industry, has been attacked by them and is still in the hospital! We demand that the police and the government create a clean environment for the film industry!”

“That’s right. Although we don’t yet know the full truth, and the police haven’t given a specific response, this time, the film industry will unite to protest to the government!” Huang Baiming himself hated gangsters deeply, as he had also been extorted for protection money when filming with the daughter of Malaysia’s president.

AtKaher, Zou Wenhui and He Guanchang, after learning of New Art City’s stance, made the same decision to support Xiao Ran and protest against gangster infiltration. Cheng Long, in a furious interview with reporters, declared, “The film industry used to be clean, but the presence of gangsters has corrupted it. We strongly demand that the government devote sufficient effort to cracking down on gangsters!”

“Think about it—Hong Kong’s top screenwriter was attacked by gangsters who demanded protection money, right outside the police station. This is a disgrace not only to the film industry but also to Hong Kong as a whole!” After saying this, Cheng Long raised his arms and shouted, “Give back a clean environment to the film industry! Give back a safe and harm-free environment to Hong Kong’s citizens!”

Watching Cheng Long on TV, Xiao Ran couldn’t help but smile bitterly. He never expected that he would hasten the future major anti-mafia operation in the film industry. In fact, Xiao Ran had overlooked the fact that conflicts between the underworld and the film industry had always existed; it was just that his arrival and this accident triggered their outbreak.

All of this took Xiao Ran completely by surprise. He never imagined that something not very significant would escalate to the point where the whole of Hong Kong and even Southeast Asia rushed to cover it. Especially after learning about the police’s massive crackdown yesterday and the fact that today’s three major film companies had pledged to support him in driving out the mafia, everything was truly out of Xiao Ran’s control.

Originally, Xiao Ran planned to force Cheng Long to negotiate under pressure from other gang factions. But now, whether Lianshengying still existed was itself a question. Moreover, the gangs in Kowloon had been severely weakened by this crackdown. The unprecedented unity within the film industry pushed the situation to a climax—a clash between the film industry and the underworld over interests.

How things would develop from here was no longer under Xiao Ran’s control. Soon, Lin Qingxia arrived with a worried expression. After exchanging a few words with her, Fa Ge and Wu Yusen showed up, along with Leung Ka-fai, Zhang Manyu, Zhong Chuhong, and many others, who came to the hospital to see Xiao Ran.

In no time, the hospital was filled with celebrities and famous directors, along with countless reporters. Half an hour later, Huang Baiming, Ho Kwan-cheung, Cheng Long, and even Cen Jianxun, the current head of Deppa, arrived—everyone in charge at the three major film companies was there.

Yet the hospital wasn’t as noisy as usual; instead, it was quite quiet, with the occasional sound of reporters clicking their cameras to capture the serious expressions of the celebrities and directors. Xiao Ran could only smile bitterly. In just one night, things had escalated so much—it was truly unexpected.

Huang Baiming and the others arrived together. After asking about Xiao Ran’s injuries, Huang Baiming exclaimed excitedly, “We’re planning a big parade, and the Department of Justice has given approval. Ah Ran, I think you’d better join us! It’s set for 1 p.m.”

There were less than two and a half hours left until 1 p.m. Could they gather enough participants for the parade? Xiao Ran thought it would be difficult. Cen Jianxun seemed to understand Xiao Ran’s thoughts and said with a smile, “Don’t worry. We’ve already sent people to notify them! Those who can come will definitely come; those who can’t simply can’t!”

Ho Kwan-cheung added sarcastically, “I didn’t expect even Shaw Brothers to approve their popular stars joining the parade. It’s rare for them not to oppose us!”

Xiao Ran and the others couldn’t help but chuckle. Everyone in the industry knew about the feud between Shaw Brothers and Cathay-Keris. It was extremely unusual for Shaw Brothers to lower their stance and approve their stars joining the parade. After thinking for a moment, Xiao Ran struggled to get up amid Guan Xin’s silent smile. “No problem. I’ll definitely join the parade. But before that, I don’t want to march for hours on an empty stomach!”

During a break for food, Xiao Ran explained the whole situation to Leung Ka-bao, who had rushed over, omitting some details. Of course, Leung Ka-bao wasn’t naive—he would never let anything that shouldn’t appear in the newspapers get published.

Not long after, right at the start of the parade, Leung Ka-bau’s special issue had already been published. Since the whole incident originated from Phantom Company, the parade began on Prince Edward Road. Those who had been notified arrived as scheduled, and those without notices rushed over immediately; aside from a few who were filming outside and hadn’t returned, almost all the major stars and renowned directors in the film industry were there.

Watching the stars from various places hurry over, Xiao Ran suddenly felt a sense of absurdity. Things had now escalated beyond just his own issue and involved the entire film industry. Interestingly, although his injuries weren’t serious, he was sitting in a wheelchair, wearing only a jacket, with his bandaged wound on his chest standing out starkly in the sunlight.

It was Xiao Ran’s own request. He believed that though this trick wasn’t very sophisticated, it could leave a deeper impression on the public and, to some extent, enhance the effect of the parade.

Everyone wore sunglasses, making this unconventional group look very cool. Fa Ge and Lin Qingxia were by Xiao Ran’s side, taking turns pushing him. Big-name stars like Cheng Long, Xu Keji, Zhong Chuhong, and Ye Qianwen were in the front row. Thanks to his injuries and the need for the public to see him, Xiao Ran was fortunate enough to be in the front row as well.

“Protest against the triads’ invasion of the film industry… Severe punishment for the murderers…” Cheng Long shouted as they moved forward, waving his arms.

People on both sides of the road—those going to work or just hanging around—had varied expressions. Though this group was quite unique and not very large, almost all the major stars were there, including Yang Ziqiong and Wen Bixia, whom Xiao Ran had never met before.

The police deployed a large number of officers to maintain order and clear a path for the parade. Although the number of people in the parade was small, the impact it had was significant. Reporters rushed to take photos and videos of this highly sensational moment, while passersby stopped in their haste to watch.

The parade didn’t last long, mainly taking place in Kowloon District. Everyone dispersed after two hours, but the sensation it caused remained. Under pressure from the film industry, the entire Hong Kong police force launched a major crackdown on the triads, making it a major topic of concern in the region for a while. And this parade would likely become one of the biggest news stories of the year.

The parade was over, but Xiao Ran’s troubles were not. From Leung Kun’s explanation, he learned that behind Lian Shengying was another powerful syndicate—Lian Ying, which was by no means easy to deal with.

When Fa Ge, Lin Qingxia, and Zhong Chuhong accompanied Xiao Ran back to the company, they found Wei Dongling receiving someone—a person Xiao Ran was very familiar with. Xiang Qiang greeted Fa Ge and the others before turning to Xiao Ran: “A Ran, I’m here mainly to talk to you about this whole matter!”

Xiao Ran nodded. What he had expected had finally happened. He thought it was time to bring this whole thing to a perfect conclusion. Xiang Qiang glanced at Fa Ge, Zhong Chuhong, Lin Qingxia, and then at Guan Xinyi beside them, hesitating before speaking.

Xiao Ran knew what Xiang Qiang was worried about and quickly said with a smile, “It’s okay. They’re all my good friends. I can tell them anything!”
“If that’s the case, then I’ll just say it!” Xiang Qiang nodded and said seriously to Xiao Ran, “A Ran, none of us wanted things to reach this point. Lian Shengying broke the rules. Even if the police don’t take action, we definitely won’t let them off.”
In fact, Xiang Qiang’s true identity was almost well-known within the circle, and even outside it. Zhong Chuhong and the others weren’t surprised by this, but they were still a bit displeased. After all, they had just participated in the anti-gang protest, and now Xiang Qiang was openly revealing his status in the underworld.
Seeing the displeasure in Zhong Chuhong and Fa Ge’s eyes, Xiao Ran suddenly remembered that no one in the film industry wanted any connection with gangsters. Xiang Qiang could barely be considered an exception—after all, he used to be a Shaw Brothers action star and was considered part of the industry. But precisely because of this, most people didn’t always think of that when interacting with him.
So, Xiang Qiang’s actions were undoubtedly a reminder to Fa Ge and Zhong Chuhong that he was a gangster, and moreover, the boss of a gang! This realization would surely distance them from Xiang Qiang. Xiang Qiang didn’t realize this and simply said tiredly, “The police are probably about to launch another crackdown on gangs. New Yee On, 13K, and Lian Ying—all of them won’t have an easy time from now on!”
“But it’s not your fault. Everything happened too suddenly and by chance!” At this point, Xiang Qiang suddenly became stern, showing true boss-like authority: “Lian Shengying violated the rules and deserves to die. But what if Lian Ying, behind him, causes you trouble? That’s why my brother Yan Ge from 13K and I think this matter must be dealt with as soon as possible.”
Even if Xiao Ran were a fool, he would know that Xiang Qiang was speaking to him in his role as a gang leader, trying to take care of all the troubles for Lian Ying. Xiang Qiang continued, “Everything must be done according to the rules. I’ll arrange for you to meet with someone from Lian Ying. You two need to talk this through. No matter what, it must be resolved! He wants Lian Shengying back, and you need to solve the problems—talk is necessary.”
“And it doesn’t matter what your relationship with the police is. Whatever happens in the underworld must be resolved according to our rules!” Xiang Qiang truly lived up to being one of the strongest among the Xiang family’s thirteen sons; even his words carried pressure.
But Xiao Ran wasn’t as concerned as he thought. After all, this was exactly his plan. Why not go along with it? It would not only save face for Xiang Qiang but also resolve the problem that had been plaguing him for days—perfect indeed.
With a faint smile, Xiao Ran put forward an overreaching condition: “But the person I’m talking to must be Gui Wang Dong, the leader of Lian Ying!”
Everyone was stunned, and Xiang Qiang shot Xiao Ran a sharp look, meeting his fearless gaze…
*****
Fictional name — Zhang Wanding
Real name — Zhang Wanting
Occupation: Director

Zhang Wanthing is one of Hong Kong’s most outstanding female directors. Her film “A Fairy Tale in Autumn” from twenty years ago still touches millions of Chinese people to this day. Her recent film “Glass City” is equally moving and tender. With her delicate style, Zhang Wanthing has brought the strengths of female directors to their peak, making her a rare and exceptional director.
Works: “A Fairy Tale in Autumn,” “The Song Dynasty,” etc.