Chapter Six: This Is the Capital! Bai Xiaohang Slapped Long Wu Hard!

1996.

Ye Quanzhen was still very popular on the mainland.

The “Oolong Courtyard” series didn’t just make Xiaolong and Hao Shaowen famous.

Ye Quanzhen herself left a deep impression on many people.

There was also “Legend of the Fire Cloud.”

In that movie, although she wasn’t the lead actress, her scenes opposite Brigitte Lin were equally impressive.

The key was, she was much younger than Brigitte Lin.

Youth equals beauty.

Ma Xun knew even more: Ye Quanzhen’s popularity was also due to a Japanese actress.

Akina Nakamori.

The two of them really resembled each other, especially in certain film shots.

They were almost indistinguishable.

Interestingly, Ye Quanzhen debuted in 1987.

That year, she starred in “Snow is Burning,” which had a sense of fragmentation.

On the internet, Akina Nakamori has often been associated with a fragmented aura.

But in reality, Akina Nakamori only had that broken quality between 1987 and 1990.

Especially in 1987, when she covered “Difficult to Break Boat.”

Those years were marked by heartbreak caused by bad men.

Originally, Akina Nakamori was a particularly cute, energetic, and rebellious young woman.

Her music reflected that—bold in style and extremely fashionable.

Despite the emotional wounds, Akina Nakamori’s popularity soared during those years.

She was famous throughout Asia.

Ye Quanzhen just happened to rise alongside her.

Oh, something just came to mind.

It seems that this year, Chongqing is holding a large event and invited Akina Nakamori to perform.

Right now, Ma Xun was listening to Ye Quanzhen sing in the capital.

Soon, Akina Nakamori would also be performing in the mountain city.

Hehe, it’s quite interesting to think about.

Of course, when it comes to singing... well, no contest.

Ye Quanzhen’s singing was quite pleasing to watch.

As he watched, Ma Xun suddenly recalled that Ye Quanzhen had some scandals.

And they were rather peculiar.

This isn’t time travel; it’s more like walking into a gossip field!

Oh, why does he sound like Runtu now?

At that moment, the song ended.

“Thank you, everyone...”

“Wow! One more song!”

“Alright! Great singing! Here’s a tip!”

The cheerleaders weren’t just young or old.

This nightclub had a small stage.

It was much like the “Seahorse Cabaret” style.

But far more professional.

And from what the hecklers said, this nightclub often invited stars from Hong Kong and Taiwan to perform.

It must be the advantage of the Hong Kong “Fifth Brother.”

It was also the nightclub’s selling point.

However, Ma Xun wasn’t interested in delving deeper into this lively scene.

“Director Feng, my tolerance for alcohol is terrible; I can’t hold on much longer...”

“Alright, then you go back and rest first.”

Feng Baiyuan was a sensible man.

Ma Xun was a replacement for someone else, and Ninth Brother was one of the investors.

Leaving early would be better for everyone.

Ma Xun finished a bottle of beer.

Before leaving, he went to the restroom.

...

Splashing water.

The flow was strong.

Young kidneys, still in good shape.

While happily relieving himself, someone else joined beside him.

Relieving themselves together was no big deal.

But this guy clearly wanted to strike up a conversation.

“Hey, buddy... hey, buddy...” The man spoke with a thick Beijing accent.

Ma Xun initially didn’t want to respond but couldn’t ignore the guy’s bold face.

“Not buddy. Are you looking for trouble?” He put on a tough demeanor.

But it didn’t intimidate the man.

He smiled and said, “No, I’m not looking for trouble. Just want to chat.”

“What do you want to talk about?”

Ma Xun grew curious and took a closer look.

The man wasn’t tall, just a bit over 1.7 meters.

Not fat either.

He looked quite ordinary, nowhere near handsome.

The man asked, “You guys are pretty impressive. The nightclub owner personally attends? And that Diao Chan? What’s your relationship with them?”

Ma Xun laughed, “Why do you ask?”

“To be honest, I just want to connect with the Hong Kong circle.”

“Oh? So your purpose for coming here is the same?”

“Heh! You’re amazing! Saw right through me!”

“Are you planning to do business in film and TV?”

“Of course!”

“Buddy, you gotta have something to back that up.”

“Well... I don’t have much capital, but I do have some connections.”

“Oh wow, your tone is quite bold. Seriously?”

“I’m as comfortable at CCTV as I am at home. Believe it or not?”

“You’re bragging, right? Where are you from?”

“Outside Fuxingmen.”

The moment he said that, Ma Xun understood immediately.

This guy was a true “big compound” kid!

Fuxingmen was no ordinary gate.

The so-called “big compounds” were mostly west of this gate, known as “outside the gate.”

The east side, or “inside the gate,” was the old city, around the Forbidden City.

So this guy’s answer was clever.

He admitted he was from a “big compound” but didn’t specify which one.

Since Ma Xun and he were still strangers, such an answer was appropriate.

Ma Xun nodded, “What do you do now?”

“Clothing trade.”

“That’s quite far from film and TV.”

“Exactly why I need someone to help me find my way.”

“Why this line of work?”

“First, to make money. Second, you see, I’m not getting any younger, heh... and there are many beauties in that circle.”

“Ambitious!”

“Haha... buddy, we’re kindred spirits.”

“Don’t misuse that phrase.”

Ma Xun had casually complimented, partly joking.

Never expected the guy to take the idiom seriously.

Is that a phrase you can just throw around?

Well, nowadays “kindred spirits” really doesn’t carry any messy implications.

Like “Wolong and Fengchu,” it hasn’t lost its original meaning.

“Then tell me, who’s caught your eye? Maybe I can help.”

Ma Xun was just bragging.

Having finished in the restroom, he was bored anyway.

The man chuckled, “Zhao Yazhi, how about her? Oh man! From ‘The Bund’ to ‘The New Legend of the White Snake,’ I’m really captivated!”

Ma Xun wanted to tease him, “You have quite a taste. She’s pretty old now... oh wait, it’s 1996.”

Zhao Yazhi was now a top mature beauty... wait a minute.

“She’s married.”

Ma Xun was absolutely sure.

But the man casually said, “Who cares! I’ll steal her away!”

Turns out you want to be like Cao Mengde...

“Is she the only one?”

“There’s also Ye Zimei or Qiu Shuzhen.”

Hmm?

“You have a pretty consistent type.”

Ma Xun’s remark was sarcastic, but the man laughed heartily.

“Of course! If it’s not a big one, what’s the fun?”

Ma Xun was at a loss for words.

The man was delighted.

“Buddy, I feel like we hit it off. Let’s be friends. I’m Sun Donghai.”

What?

At that name, Ma Xun paused.

Li Xiaoran, Yin Tao... the connections flashed through his mind.

So it’s you, huh... your taste really hasn’t changed.

But now that I’m here, forget about those two.

“Hi, I’m Ma Xun, a newcomer trying to make it in the capital.”

Ma Xun extended his hand.

Sun Donghai was surprised, “Hey! Your accent’s really authentic! Alright, you’re my friend for sure!”

They shook hands.

Ma Xun intended to make friends intentionally; Sun Donghai was no ordinary man.

A true “big compound” heir, and he planned to develop real estate in the future.

A very powerful figure.

Ma Xun could make use of his “connections.”

Of course, this use was mutual—Sun Donghai planned to use Ma Xun as well.

Their friendship would be based on mutual benefit.

How genuine!

They exchanged ages; naturally, Sun Donghai was older.

Ma Xun said directly, “Buddy, want to meet that Fifth Brother?”

“Hey! That’s why you’re my true brother! You really understand me!”

Sun Donghai was thrilled.

He came today precisely to connect with Long Wu.

Long Wu had opened this nightclub in the capital.

Apparently, because his younger brother came here for medical treatment, their family planned to move north.

Sun Donghai thought it best to make some contacts.

But no one introduced him.

Luckily, he noticed the newly opened table with Diao Chan and others, and Long Wu went over to them.

They chatted and laughed.

Sun Donghai’s interest was piqued.

Hence, the friendship that began in the restroom.

If this ever got out, it would probably become a curious anecdote in the circle.

But let’s not dwell on these side stories.

It was just about making introductions.

Long Wu, that’s all.

Remember: fortune favors the bold!

The two of them came out of the restroom.

Huh?

Outside, something was going on—voices had risen.

“What’s the matter? You’ve got no shame?”

“It’s just one more song. Why make such a big fuss?”

“Miss Ye, you tell them!”

“Gentlemen, for my sake, let’s end this here today, shall we? No charge for the bill.”

“Yes, everyone’s had enough to drink. Why not rest early?”

Ma Xun and Sun Donghai saw three men, clearly locals from their accents.

They were confronting Long Wu and his wife.

Yes, his wife had also come.

Ninth Brother came out to assist, and even Ding Li spoke up.

As for Chen Hong... she wisely chose to look away.

After all, for a woman, this kind of scene was best ignored.

Ma Xun, however, was different.

“Brother, who the hell is this...” Sun Donghai whispered to Ma Xun.

“Bai Xiaohang.”

At the mention of that name, four words flashed in Ma Xun’s mind: “Haidian Victory.”

Still, he asked quietly, “Is he powerful?”

Sun Donghai continued softly, “He’s like a mad dog.”

Damn! Definitely powerful!

Suddenly, a crisp slap echoed.

Bai Xiaohang had slapped Long Wu hard across the face!

The scene froze instantly.

Sun Donghai was stunned.

Ma Xun whispered, “Brother, the opportunity’s here.”