Rebirth of the Godly Prodigal

After listening to what Secretary Xiao Liu said, Hong Weiguo was instantly angry. “Brat, now you know how to keep me in suspense? I’m in the office. Come over first.”

“All right, I’ll be there immediately!” Secretary Xiao Liu hung up immediately.

Very quickly, Secretary Xiao Liu’s image appeared in the video feed. He was sweating profusely as he greeted Hong Weiguo respectfully. “CEO Hong, I’m here. Erm, do I just…” As he spoke, he looked at the laptop on Hong Weiguo’s table. His meaning was clear. This news must not be leaked.

Hong Weiguo nodded, giving his permission to speak. “Just say it. We are all on the same side.” Come to think of it, Secretary Xiao Liu had never seen Ling Xiaoyi or Hong Tu before. It was, therefore, a good example of his meticulousness that he asked before speaking.

Secretary Xiao Liu said, “It’s like this. In the beginning, the Land and Resources Bureau intended to sell the land for three billion yuan. Later, for reasons unknown to us, they changed their terms. The new terms seem to be much better than buying the land outright.”

This was strange. Hong Weiguo and Hong Tu both said “Oh” at the same time. Xiaoyi, however, sensed that this had something to do with Hong Dali and that it was closely related to him!

Secretary Xiao Liu took a deep breath and said, “It’s like this, the Land and Resources Bureau suddenly changed their terms. Furthermore, the contact person was also changed. The new contact person is very mysterious. He also says strange things.”

“The contact person was changed? From the Land and Resources Bureau?” Hearing that, Hong Weiguo inhaled sharply.

That was the Land and Resources Bureau, a very powerful department. Who had such great influence that they dared ask them to change a contact person to discuss terms? Could it be…

At this point, Hong Weiguo was at least eighty percent sure that the person was sent by that minister!

As expected, Secretary Xiao Liu said, “When the new contact person arrived, he told me immediately that the top had sent him to be fully in charge of this matter. Then he told me about their conditions. The conditions they set were very simple.”

Hong Weiguo appeared curious. “What kind of conditions?”

If it were someone sent by the minister, what kind of condition would they have?

“He said they didn’t want a single cent for the land. Young Master Dali may develop the land as he pleases. However, he did not give any details on the conditions. All he said was that he would tell you, CEO Hong, personally when the time comes and that you must agree to his terms. He also guaranteed that you would be more than pleased to accept the condition.” Secretary Xiao Liu himself was confused as he said this. “Then, as he left, he mentioned that the land would not be bad if it were used as a base for digital technology and film and entertainment. I don’t know if he said that in passing or deliberately. Just that one senseless statement, and no more.”

Such a senseless statement, with just one condition?

Everyone present couldn’t make sense of what they heard. Hong Weiguo gave it some thought, then waved his hand and said, “I understand, you can leave first. Yes, right. Make no mention of this matter to anyone.”

“I understand.” Secretary Xiao Liu left immediately.

Hong Weiguo thought for a long time and finally said slowly, “Dad, what do you think about this matter? At the moment, it looks as if our country is preparing to go to heads with Hollywood. Film and entertainment coupled with digital technology?”

Hong Tu thought about it. “Yes…” He was older and more experienced and quickly thought of a possibility. “Weiguo, it could be this situation.” Hong Tu said slowly, “Our country changed its stand on matters related to digital technology after the gaming fest. What kind of technology was revealed during the gaming fest?”

Hong Weiguo gave it some thought and his eyes suddenly lit up. “Related to technology… Dad, You are talking about that… Holographic Projection Technology?!”

Hong Tu nodded affirmatively. “Yes, that’s it! Holographic Projection Technology was successfully researched by the lass Lin Chuyin, right? It has since reached the stage where it can accurately do GPS locating. That proves that our country is currently one of the leaders in the field of imaging. At least, we have yet to hear of any news regarding success in this field from Merika. Correct?”

Hong Weiguo said joyfully, “Yes, yes! I understand now! The current plan from the top is to go all out and back Lin Chuyin’s technological research. This piece of land is given to us for free now as a token of their sincerity. With Lin Chuyin’s research laboratory nearby, researching technology will be much more convenient. In addition, the film industry can realize its full potential with the Holographic Projection Technology that can do accurate GPS locating. Perhaps the country is confident that it’s able to take on Merika’s Hollywood now?”

Hong Tu said, nodding, “It must be like that! Dali, this child, somehow fumbled his way through and successfully breached Hollywood’s technological barrier. Now, our technology is more advanced than theirs. Our country must be planning to build a movie center similar to Hollywood so as to meet them head on when and if the Economic War breaks out.”

“Yes, Merika has always viewed our country as its enemy. This scenario is very likely to happen.” Hong Weiguo rubbed his chin and said in agreement, “So, the plan from on top now is to allow us to develop the land as we please and give full rights for the land to… Dali?!”

“I think that’s about it.” Speaking of Hong Dali, Hong Tu gave a bitter laugh. “This kid has too many feints left and right. I’m not even sure if he can make it. I have no idea at all what will happen!”

“I feel the same way.” Hong Weiguo shrugged helplessly. “The pressure is mounting. By the way, what will the condition be?”

This time Hong Tu was also grasping at straws. “This… I have no idea what that might be either. Perhaps only those at the higher levels know.”

Hong Weiguo said despondently, “This is really… Economical wars, just like that, the responsibility lands on my son’s shoulders? They are not afraid that Hong Dali might simply waste the entire piece of land… Sigh, Dad, do you think Dali… It should be okay, right?”

“How would I know?” Hong Tu stood up and relayed some instructions to Mu Yuxi. “Yuxi, you have learned quite a bit during your stint here. Go on out, go to Dali’s side and help. The kid is being prodigal on a monumental scale nowadays, I’m afraid he might not have enough assistants.”

Liao Yuxi’s face showed a myriad of expressions. “Old Elder, you mean, you want me to go out and be a prodigal together with Dali?”

Hong Tu nodded, repeating Hong Dali’s classic saying: “It’s a skill to be a prodigal. There is never any harm in learning more things…”

Both the faces of Ling Xiaoyi and Hong Weiguo turned red as they struggled to contain their laughter.

After Hong Tu had turned off his video feed, both of them suddenly burst into uncontrolled roars of laughter. “Hahahahaha. This is really funny!”

…

The other side of the ocean, Merika, Hollywood.

Inside the Big Meeting Room.

The eight seats around the round table in the middle of the room were filled. The light was dim, and it was not possible to see clearly the faces of those present. It was all very mysterious.

Hollywood’s Round Table Meeting.

It was here where they decided on how to go up against “The Heaven Sword and Dragon Sabre: Pugilistic World” in the box office.

It was originally something that everyone had agreed on. Now, the winds had changed.

“How can this Hong Dali have such technology?” James banged desperately on the round table, shouting, “Holographic Projection Technology, how is it possible that it can GPS locate so accurately! Look at those wings, they look almost real! The effect is much better than when compared to CG animation. Much better!”

James was feeling terrible at the moment.

This little smack to the face by Hong Dali made him very depressed.

He had thought that with Hollywood’s superior technological knowledge, Heavenly State would definitely take the subtle approach and send someone to strike up a working relationship. He did not expect that Hong Dali would give them a figurative slap to their faces because of a gaming fest. How could he take it lying down?

“What is the point of saying all these now?” Someone seated to the north said in a low voice, “What we need to think of now is a counter-attack. A counter-attack! It’s no use getting agitated now, James.”

James said angrily, “I know it can’t solve the problem! There must at least be a plan to counter it! Now that they have the technology in their hand, what about us? What do we have that can go up against them?”

“Our CG animation technology is far superior to theirs.” A voice from the seat in the south said. “Just that one technology shouldn’t be enough to have you in shock and lose your composure, James. From what I know, Merika has also managed to develop Holographic Imaging. We are still at the stage when we can only do monochrome images. I’m sure it will not be long before we reach the stage when we can do it in full color.”

James slapped the report fiercely. “It doesn’t matter if it’s in monochrome or full color, this is not important. The important thing is how accurate the GPS location is! Without an accurate GPS locator system, Holographic Projection Technology can only be used as an equipment to playback animation. Only with an accurate GPS locator can it be a powerful weapon!”

“Enough!” An older voice in the room spoke up. “This is not the time to argue about this. What we need to think about now is a way to go up against their movie in the box office. The two movies we have now are undergoing a second round of emergency editing, and the special effects are much better than before. I believe the problem is not big.”

James said through gritted teeth, “That’s all we can do for now. We must fight this war well!”

…

The next few days passed peacefully. Soon, it was the sixth of July, Saturday, at 10:00 AM.

The Hollywood blockbuster “Air-Raid of the Trump Cards” debuted in all major theaters in Heavenly State.

The movie “Air-Raid of the Trump Cards” starred famous Merikan actor John Klata. It was about two pilots, Daymus and Seymour, who were partners for many years. Their performance was excellent but they were never promoted. Daymus, who felt that it was unfair, decided to take matters into his own hands and get what he deserved from the government.

During a mission, Daymus ejected Seymour from the cockpit while he was trying to retrieve two nuclear bombs from a stealth plane. Luckily, Seymour was wearing a parachute and managed to escape unharmed. After Daymus got the nuclear bombs, he blackmailed the government for a huge sum of money with the threat that he would drop the bombs in the city center if they did not accede to his demands. At the same time, Seymour and attractive policewoman Tyra were trying their best to locate Daymus and retrieve the nuclear bombs.

This was a typical Hollywood blockbuster. It attracted a lot of attention from cinema-goers.

Now, due to the fact that they were trying to go up against Pugilistic World in the box office, they had gone all out promoting the movie. The movie was now ready to be screened at Heavenly State theaters, and many movie fans were eagerly awaiting its release. The economic war between the two countries was not of any concern to the average person. All they cared about was if the movie was good.

On the first of July, all the major theaters were sold out. Everyone was getting ready to feast their eyes and then brag about watching the movie to their friends and relatives. After all, a blockbuster hit from Hollywood had never ever failed to impress.