Chapter 00243: Love Beyond Death
# Love Beyond Death
Chapter 243
Novel: 1979 Golden Age
Chapter 243: Love Beyond Death
The Orphan continued filming.
Chen Qi used his nights to plagiarize—no, wait—to write!
Actually, he wasn’t purely copying anymore.
He had to adapt the original works to fit the era’s background and cultural nuances, which already counted as a second creation.
In later years, he could even shamelessly pass it off as his own work and rake in profits at the box office.
The 1980s marked the rapid rise of Hong Kong’s local identity.
This was most evident in the film market—even Hollywood couldn’t compete.
Blockbusters like Raiders of the Lost Ark, E.
T., and First Blood could barely crack the annual top ten in Hong Kong.
The top spot always belonged to Hong Kong films.
That was until 1993, when Jurassic Park exploded onto the scene with its groundbreaking special effects, conquering Hong Kong and raking in over 60 million at the box office.
And just four years later, the unprecedented Titanic pushed Hong Kong’s market to its limits, earning a staggering 115 million in this tiny city.
That marked the official decline of Hong Kong cinema.
Generally speaking, Hollywood films didn’t perform well in Hong Kong.
Only those with grand spectacles, massive budgets, and intense sensory thrills had a shot at the top ten.
Others—comedies, romances, horror—struggled due to cultural barriers. Home Alone, for example, made 285 million in North America but didn’t even crack Hong Kong’s top ten.
But there was one exception—a romance film released in 1990 that earned over 30 million in Hong Kong, ranking third for the year.
Its name? Ghost!
The story was simple: A young couple was about to get married when tragedy struck—the man was killed in a robbery and became a ghost.
He soon discovered that his own friend had orchestrated the attack.
Helpless, he watched as this friend wormed his way into his grieving lover’s life, charming her step by step.
Just when it seemed like the friend would succeed, the ghost stumbled upon a psychic medium who could communicate with the living.
Through a series of events, the ghost exposed his friend’s scheme and finally ascended to heaven…
The film made 217 million in the U.
S. and 300 million overseas!
Its massive success came down to one thing: it tugged at the audience’s heartstrings, especially women’s.
Combined with cutting-edge special effects for its time, it left a lasting impression.
Aside from the monstrous Titanic, Ghost was Hollywood’s most beloved romance in Hong Kong.
Chen Qi planned to make two versions—one for Hong Kong, one for Hollywood.
Double the profit, double the fun.
But he wasn’t rushing the Hollywood version.
The original had been too much of a box office smash—selling the rights outright would be a waste.
He’d wait until he had more leverage to negotiate a better deal.
Special effects weren’t a problem either.
The 1990 Ghost had wowed 1990 audiences.
His 1980s version just needed to meet the standards of the 1980s.
Andy Lau and Tony Leung were perfect for the male leads—though honestly, the men in this story were just tools.
The female lead was the real heart of the film.
The original actress, Demi Moore, had secured her place in cinematic history with this role alone.
"The female lead doesn’t need to be conventionally beautiful, but she must have charm, her own unique presence…"
Chen Qi mused as he wrote, slowly shaping the story in his mind.
---
Andy Lau felt like he’d been blessed by the heavens lately.
His training program was going smoothly, his teachers praised him, and he was about to start filming his first movie, Boat People.
But before that even began, a second project had already come knocking.
One evening after class, he arrived at a modest diner.
Spotting a familiar face in the back, he approached respectfully—it was Mr. Chen, the man he’d met once before.
The quiet bodyguard stood nearby.
"Mr. Chen!"
Andy greeted him with deference.
Though he looked honest, he was sharp—he knew this man was someone important.
"Sit."
Chen Qi waved casually.
"How’ve you been?"
"Thanks to you, everything’s been good."
"And your bandit brother?"
"Tony? Well… he left the training program."
Andy gave a brief explanation.
Chen Qi feigned surprise.
"So you’re with TVB now? If I want you for a film, do I need their approval?"
"No, no! We haven’t signed anything official yet—just an understanding. I can decide for myself!"
He hurried to clarify, not wanting to lose the opportunity.
"I see. You’ve read the story outline—what do you think?"
"It’s amazing! Definitely a touching romance. I’d love to be part of it!"
What could he really tell from an outline? But as a newcomer, any role was a blessing.
He wasn’t picky.
Chen Qi studied him—youthful yet mature.
People said Andy’s early acting was rough, but it was passable.
His performance in Boat People had been decent, and that was all Chen Qi needed.
Even at his peak, Andy’s acting had been inconsistent—he’d always been more of a star than a chameleon.
But with the right script and director, he could shine.
In that way, he was a lot like Huang Xiaoming.
To become a superstar, you had to have talent.
But compared to many, Andy’s gifts in acting and singing were modest.
What set him apart was his relentless discipline—like going ten years without eating rice.
That alone was insane.
"..."
Andy sipped his iced coffee nervously under Chen Qi’s gaze.
The silence stretched until Chen Qi finally spoke again.
"When does Boat People start filming in Hainan?"
"Next week!"
"So it’ll wrap up early next year?" Chen Qi did the math.
"Yes, it’ll take about four months."
"Once Boat People wraps, come straight to me for the next film. Any issues?"
"None at all!"
"Good. Someone will contact you about the contract. Oh, one more thing—do you know Cherie Chung? Is she with Shaw Brothers?"
"Yes, she’s under contract with them!"
"Got it."
Chen Qi nodded, signaling the end of the conversation.
Andy took the hint and excused himself.
Watching him disappear down the street, Chen Qi shrugged. No "Five Tigers" now.
No "Four Heavenly Kings" either.
But hey, not my problem.
He wasn’t in a hurry to contact Tony Leung. Ghost wouldn’t start until next year—plenty of time.
With Tony and Andy on the leftist side, plus New Wave directors like Ann Hui, the foundation was solid.
Add a few actresses, and they’d have a proper lineup.
Especially Tony—he had international appeal.
A crucial piece.
"Let’s go."
Chen Qi finished his lemon tea and left with his bodyguard, Xiao Mo. Now we just wait for the Boat People scandal to break.
If no one exposes it, I’ll do it myself… Hah, does that make me the strategist Wu Yong from Liangshan?
---
Four films next year!
With this settled, Chen Qi returned to writing scripts and occasionally visiting The Orphan set—much to Chingmy Yau’s annoyance.
Before he knew it, October arrived.
The two American child stars wrapped their scenes and finally left with their high-maintenance guardians.
Meanwhile, news came from Beijing—Tai Chi 2 had finished most of its filming and was heading to Hong Kong for the final scenes.
The cast included Jet Li, Wang Qun, Ji Chunhua, Ge Chunyan, He Qing, Tao Huimin, and Donnie Yen.
Li Jianqun would join them too—her character died in these last scenes.
(End of Chapter)