Hong Kong variety show: Starting from Cold War 1994

Chapter 8 Classic PUA Case Analysis

"Pan Junheng's only son is named Pan Zhiang, Simon, the fifth generation of the Pan family. Logically, shouldn't such a family business be passed down to him first?"

At this point, Lok Wai-ching regained her confident smile: "Our television station has business cooperation with the Pan family."

"As you know, disputes over inheritance within wealthy families are always a favorite topic of gossip among the upper-class wives of Hong Kong. According to rumors, Pan Junheng seems to favor his brother-in-law, Huang Jiahui."

"Senior sister, do you mean that the next head of the Pan family will likely be either Pan Zhiang or Huang Jiahui?"

If the rumors are true, according to the principle in criminal cases that whoever benefits the most is the most suspicious...

Lok Wai-ching put down her coffee cup: "Pan Chi-ngong is the legitimate heir, but unfortunately he's a spoiled brat with mediocre abilities and reputation; Wong Ka-fai is an outsider, but he's capable and efficient. He's handled many of the Pan family's major projects in recent years. If I were Pan Chun-heng, I would probably choose Wong Ka-fai too."

Shen Shaofeng chimed in, "I understand what you mean. It's 1994 now, and a large family like the Pan family, which has intricate ties with the British, must be very anxious."

He stroked his chin: "On the one hand, they want to sever ties with the British, and on the other hand, they want to get in touch with the North. They have to guard against their rivals sabotaging them from the outside, and deal with the infighting among their own family members from the inside. It's not easy being a wealthy family."

Le Huizhen's eyes lit up: "Junior brother, I didn't expect you to have such insight. By the way, have you heard of the Rose Garden Project?"

Shen Shaofeng nodded: "Yes, the British said they wanted to build a new airport with a budget of over HK$100 billion. The North isn't stupid; they know the British want to leave a mess, so of course they wouldn't stand for it. The two sides wrangled for more than two years before reaching an agreement that no less than HK$25 billion must be left as reserves for the future SAR government."

"Yes!" Lok Wai-ching snapped her fingers, becoming more and more excited as she spoke.

"It's said that the demolition of the old airport, the site selection and construction of the new airport, etc., involve the Pan family, the four major Chinese real estate developers, and foreign trading companies like Swire and Jardine Matheson. In short, it's a very complicated situation..."

At this point, she suddenly changed the subject: "Junior brother, I've given you enough information. Now it's your turn. What exactly happened to Huang Jiahui? Is it related to that big scandal at Jiangnan Restaurant? What exactly does your police force know?"

She spoke faster and faster, her gaze fixed intently on Shen Shaofeng.

Shen Shaofeng was still processing the information provided by Yue Huizhen when he said apologetically, "Senior Sister, I'm a police officer, and there are confidentiality regulations..."

Before he could finish speaking, Yue Huizhen stood up abruptly and glared fiercely at Shen Shaofeng:

"Are you kidding me? You're a probationary inspector, and you want to gamble on drugs?"

She was truly furious. "I'm the one who always plays tricks on others. Don't think you can play tricks on me just because you're handsome!"

Shen Shaofeng noticed that the customers in the coffee shop were all watching his table with expressions of schadenfreude.

He calmly made a downward pressing gesture to calm Lok Wai-ching down.

"I can't give you any information from the police directly, but I have some suggestions that might be more valuable to you."

"Oh? Tell me about it."

"My senior is now a top news anchor, but besides the regular reporting, could the news program be made more eye-catching?"

"For example, how about creating a column specifically to track and expose social hot topics, bizarre cases, and strange tales?"

"I've already thought of a name for you, how about 'Today's Focus'? Each episode will delve into a different topic, such as bizarre crimes, secrets of the wealthy, social issues, or even alien deciphering?"

"We interview the people involved, and even conduct on-site investigations to peel back the layers of the truth and show it to the audience."

"The headline needs to be sensational, the pacing fast, the visuals impactful, and the hosting style sharp."

"If necessary, you can directly translate certain trending topics from abroad into Chinese, you know what I mean."

With each sentence Shen Shaofeng spoke, Le Huizhen's eyes brightened a little more.

As an industry insider, she was all too aware of the immense potential of this program project.

The news industry in Hong Kong Island has always been highly competitive. If a local television station can be the first to create a new type of program, it will definitely boost the ratings!

Looking at Shen Shaofeng, who was talking eloquently across from her, she suddenly felt a strange sensation.

Is this still the same handsome junior who buried himself in his studies in the university library, even a bit withdrawn?

Not only is he able to analyze current events with great insight, but he can also plan television programs with ease.

The key is a person's overall demeanor; composure, both inside and out, is something that cannot be faked.

Is the Hong Kong Island Police Force really training its officers in this way?

Suppressing her shock, Yue Huizhen asked, "A very good suggestion. How did you come up with it?"

"This is just my opinion; I'm glad you found it helpful, senior sister."

Shen Shaofeng glanced at his watch, stood up, and said, "I have other matters to attend to at the police station, so I'll be leaving now."

As he spoke, he took out his wallet and asked the waiter to pay the bill.

Lok Wai-ching quickly stood up: "Wow, a cup of coffee here costs two hundred dollars, that's too much for a new police officer like you. How about I treat you to dinner later?"

She didn't mean to mock; she simply felt that the ideas the other party provided were far more valuable than the information she had given, and wanted to make some compensation.

Shen Shaofeng had already paid the bill and left without looking back, leaving behind the words:

"Our police force has informant fees. Senior, if you want to make amends, call me immediately if you have any scoops next time. Bye."

Le Huizhen looked at Shen Shaofeng's retreating figure, somewhat speechless.

With her family background and looks, countless young men would want to invite her to dinner but couldn't even get a chance. Yet this junior brother took the ingredients and left immediately.

Forget it, I'll just consider it a favor I owe him and pay him back later. I need to go back and report this new program plan to my dad right away.

……

Shen Shaofeng had no time to think about using PUA tactics on the rich heiress.

He lit a cigarette and paced back and forth, pondering a solution.

Originally, I wanted to find out what clues I could get by inquiring about the Pan family and Huang Jiahui.

Now that it has been discovered that Pan Zhiang may be the mastermind behind the scenes, and even has connections with foreigners, the problem has become even more complicated.

I'm just a trainee inspector, and I don't have the ability to directly compete with the other party at the moment.

Should we go back and formally report it? Then the deputy director in charge of the operation, Cai Yuanqi, will receive it. Who knows if the foreign forces behind him are involved?

Henry from the Political Department? That's like playing with fire.

Directly investigating Pan Zhiang is a dead end; a roundabout approach is necessary.

Putting aside Pan Zhiang, who is suspected of being the mastermind, Fang Zhanqiang, as the implementer, is currently the most crucial link.

Fang Zhanqiang is Lao Wan's man; he has subordinates, a base of operations, and financial dealings.

Someone within Lao Wan must know this. If Li Wenbin's side finds clues about him through the leader, Ruan Ruolan...

However, Li Wenbin's whereabouts are currently unknown, and even the Political Department can only search for him on its own.

Perhaps we could try starting with the other uncles within the old group who were unhappy with her taking over as leader, or unhappy with Fang Zhanqiang going it alone.

Shen Shaofeng dared to guarantee that Ruan Ruolan's assassination attempt at Jiangnan Tower was a setup by her, intended to lure out those within the triad who opposed her or Fang Zhanqiang's faction.

If it were me in my past life, I would have done the same, but Ruan Ruolan's demeanor back then was far too composed.

With that in mind, he hailed a taxi and rushed back to the O-Division headquarters.