Traveling back to 1966, starting by living in a cowshed.

Chapter 132 Recruiting the Next Big Star

Since Lin Zhou made the decision to grant the TV adaptation rights of "A Step into the Past" to RTV free of charge.

The entire television station seemed to have been injected with a powerful stimulant, and the previously somewhat dull atmosphere was swept away, replaced by a bustling and lively scene.

In the production department office, the telephone rang incessantly, and the sound of typewriters tapping was crisp and frequent.

Several screenwriters sat around a long table, on which lay the thick novel "A Step into the Past," with densely packed notes scattered around it.

They would sometimes argue heatedly about the adaptation of a plot, and at other times applaud the creation of a character.

"The character of Xiang Shaolong must highlight his roguish charm and intelligence, otherwise he will lose his soul."

"We have to put a lot of effort into the costumes and props for ancient times. We can't fool the audience. We have to find the most professional craftsmen to make them."

The discussion was lively, and everyone's face was filled with excitement and anticipation...

Everyone knows that when this novel was serialized in the Hong Kong Chinese Daily, it was a sensation in Hong Kong, sweeping the streets and alleys.

If it were adapted into a TV series now, it would surely create a ratings frenzy.

The cast and crew were extremely busy, carrying stacks of actor profiles and shuttling between various talent agencies and record companies to select suitable candidates for the roles in the drama.

The costume and prop teams are not to be outdone; the costume designers have already begun consulting ancient texts.

They drew various sketches of clothing from the Warring States period, striving to restore the most authentic historical appearance.

The prop masters searched far and wide for materials, from a small jade pendant to a large chariot, and meticulously crafted each piece without any carelessness.

The entire RTV (Rediffusion Television) was like a high-speed machine, with every part working at full capacity to prepare for the filming of "A Step into the Past".

Lin Zhou stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window of his chairman's office, looking down at the bustling streets below, a satisfied smile playing on his lips.

"A Step into the Past" was just the beginning. What he wanted to do was to build a star team for RTV, a top-notch army that could support half of Hong Kong's entertainment industry.

After thinking for a moment, Lin Zhou picked up the phone on the table and dialed an internal number: "Have Zhang Manli come to my office."

A respectful reply came from the other end of the phone, and shortly after, there was a gentle knock on the office door.

"Come in," Lin Zhou said in a steady and powerful voice.

The door was pushed open, and Zhang Manli walked in.

Today she was wearing a well-fitting business suit, her hair styled in a bun with several loops, and she had a capable look on her face.

"Mr. Lin, you wanted to see me?" Zhang Manli walked to the desk and asked respectfully.

Lin Zhou nodded and pointed to the chair opposite him: "Sit down."

After Zhang Manli sat down, Lin Zhou took out a neatly folded piece of white paper from the drawer and handed it to her: "Take a look at this."

Zhang Manli took the paper with a puzzled look and slowly unfolded it.

A string of names, both male and female, were neatly written in pen, densely covering the entire sheet of paper.

She scanned through them carefully and found that she had never heard of most of the names, only a handful.

They seem to be newcomers who have appeared in some not-so-popular movies or TV series, and one or two singers who perform in nightclubs.

Zhang Manli frowned slightly, her eyes filled with confusion.

She looked up at Lin Zhou: "Mr. Lin, these are..."

"These people," Lin Zhou leaned back in his chair, his fingers interlaced in front of him, his gaze deep and resolute.

"You were handpicked by me. Your next task is to represent RTV and get in touch with each of them."

Zhang Manli was stunned for a moment, then realized:

"You want to sign them? But... most of them aren't very famous. If we sign them, will it work?"

In this industry, there is always a tendency to curry favor with the powerful. Everyone is scrambling to sign established big stars. Who would pay attention to these unknown newcomers?

Zhang Manli really couldn't understand what Lin Zhou was up to.

Lin Zhou seemed to see through her thoughts, smiled faintly, and said in a pretentious manner.

"Reputation can be cultivated slowly. Many of these people have extraordinary talent and potential, but they just lack an opportunity."

Our RTV (Rediffusion Television) is giving them this opportunity.

After a pause, Lin Zhou continued, "When you talk to them, tell them that as long as they are willing to come to ATV."

We will not only provide them with the best resources to participate in big-budget productions like "A Step into the Past," but we will also tailor-make exclusive development plans for them to make them true stars.

At this point, Lin Zhou emphasized:

"Also, don't worry about the compensation. We will definitely offer them the highest salaries in the industry and will never treat them unfairly."

A storm raged in Zhang Manli's heart.

She didn't know what Lin Zhou's plans were, but she never expected that he would go to such lengths to promote a group of newcomers.

Despite her shock, she immediately nodded and replied, "Yes, Mr. Lin, I understand. I'll make the arrangements right away."

"Don't rush," Lin Zhou called out to her, a meaningful smile on his face, "I have a few more words to tell you."

Zhang Manli stopped and listened attentively.

"When you approach them, you must be sincere," Lin Zhou said slowly.

"Remember, we are inviting them to collaborate, not condescendingly handing out opportunities."

Those who are willing to come are warmly welcomed and given the best treatment and resources.

Don't force those who don't want to come, and certainly don't give them a hard time.

He thought for a moment and added, "After all, forced relationships are never sweet."

Even if they don't want to come this time, we should still leave them a good impression.

Perhaps we'll have the opportunity to collaborate again in the future.

Zhang Manli's heart stirred, and her admiration for Lin Zhou grew even stronger.

In this cutthroat world, people with such magnanimity and foresight are truly rare.

She nodded vigorously: "I understand, Mr. Lin. Don't worry, I will definitely do as you say."

"Okay," Lin Zhou nodded in satisfaction, "Go ahead."

Zhang Manli carefully folded the paper covered with names, put it into her briefcase, and then turned and walked out of the office.

As she walked down the corridor, Zhang Manli couldn't help but take the paper out of her bag again and glance at the name on it.

Brigitte Lin, Cherie Chung, Chow Yun-fat, Andy Lau... These names still seem so unfamiliar to her at this moment, but what she doesn't know is that in the near future, these names will resound throughout Hong Kong.

It even spread throughout the Chinese-speaking world, becoming a classic in the hearts of generations.

Sunlight streamed through the corridor windows and fell on Zhang Manli.

She took a deep breath and walked firmly toward the elevator.

She knew that Mr. Lin was cultivating a new batch of artists, but she didn't know how these people had gotten to Mr. Lin's attention.

In his office, Lin Zhou closed his eyes and pondered.

He thought of the glittering names of those who came after him, and the classic films and television series they starred in.

Now, he will personally build a stage for these future superstars, allowing them to shine brightest in Hong Kong in the 1980s.