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

Chapter 161 TVB Signs Up Film and Television Adaptation Rights with Gold Series

The next morning, Mr. Shao went to the headquarters of Ming Pao. Because he had made an appointment with Mr. Jin Yong in advance, Mr. Shao and his party were able to enter Mr. Jin Yong's reception room without any obstacles.

On the rosewood coffee table, blue and white porcelain teacups were filled with a light tea soup, and wisps of steam rose slowly, instantly filling the air with the aroma of tea.

Mr. Shao straightened his clothes, picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and wore a rare, humble smile.

Then he leaned back on the sofa and looked at the middle-aged man opposite him, who was wearing a gray long gown and had a refined appearance—it was none other than Jin Yong, a master of martial arts novels.

This time, Mr. Shao paid a personal visit. In his view, to persuade a literary giant like Jin Yong to come, one must show utmost sincerity.

Moreover, this is crucial to whether TVB can turn the tide and completely reverse the downward trend of being crushed in ratings by Wah TV.

"Mr. Cha, it's an honor to meet you. I've never had the time until today, when I finally had some free time to pay you a visit."

Mr. Shao broke the silence first, sitting up straight and speaking with great respect.

"I have loved reading your martial arts novels ever since you started writing books, such as The Legend of the Condor Heroes and Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils. Every one of them is so captivating and I never get tired of reading them."

Upon hearing this, Jin Yong smiled gently, waved his hand, and spoke in a warm and gentle voice.

"Mr. Shao, you're too kind. It's just a story about江湖儿女 (people of the martial arts world), meant to make you laugh."

After a few pleasantries, the conversation quickly turned to the main topic. Mr. Shao didn't beat around the bush and went straight to the point:

"Mr. Cha, I've come today to ask you for a favor."

He leaned forward slightly, looking directly at Mr. Jin Yong, his tone sincere.

"As you've probably heard, in Hong Kong's television industry these days, TVB's 'A Step into the Past' is all the rage, while our TVB's ratings have indeed been somewhat disappointing lately."

Therefore, I'd like to ask you for a way to "save the situation."

Jin Yong picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and a knowing glint flashed in his eyes. He was well aware of the current upheavals in the television industry; the popularity of "A Step into the Past" was something even his household servants talked about every day.

"Mr. Shao, do you mean you want to adapt my novel?" Jin Yong asked bluntly, as if he could understand his thoughts.

Upon hearing this, Mr. Shao's eyes lit up, and he quickly nodded and said:

"Exactly! Mr. Cha's martial arts novels have an unparalleled influence in the Chinese-speaking world."

If your work could be adapted for television, it would undoubtedly ignite a viewing frenzy in Hong Kong and even throughout Southeast Asia, and your work might even become a bestseller again.

He paused, then added, "Our TVB is willing to show the utmost sincerity. Whether it's the adaptation rights fee or the production investment, we will absolutely not shortchange Mr. Cha."

Furthermore, we are also considering filming on location in mainland China, striving to recreate the grand martial arts world depicted in the novel. We will absolutely not produce a shoddy production that would tarnish your reputation.

Mr. Shao spoke with heartfelt sincerity, his eyes filled with anticipation.

He originally thought that Jin Yong would ponder for a long time, and might even propose some harsh conditions.

After all, many film and television companies had approached him before, wanting to adapt his novels, but he had rejected them all.

Unexpectedly, Jin Yong put down his teacup, pondered for a moment, and then slowly nodded.

"it is good."

A single word, seemingly light and airy, yet like a pebble, stirred up a thousand waves in Mr. Shao's heart.

Mr. Shao could hardly believe his ears. He was stunned for a moment, and then his face lit up with ecstatic joy!

"Mr. Cha, you...you've agreed?"

Jin Yong couldn't help but laugh when he saw his excited expression.

"I write these martial arts stories in the hope that more people can see the joys and sorrows, the love and tenderness of the martial arts world."

Now that it's been adapted into a TV series, allowing book fans to see the vivid Guo Jing, Huang Rong, and Qiao Feng on screen, I'm naturally happy to do so.

He paused, then his tone became serious: "However, Mr. Shao, I agree to your request on two conditions."

Mr. Shao quickly suppressed his smile, his expression hardened, and he straightened his back: "Mr. Cha, please speak. As long as it is within our capabilities, we at TVB will do our utmost."

"The first condition," Jin Yong said, holding up one finger with a firm gaze, "is that the casting for the TV series must be approved by me."

He explained, "Every character I create has their own integrity and charm."

Guo Jing's loyalty and integrity, Huang Rong's cleverness and mischievousness, and Qiao Feng's heroic and tragic spirit—these are not qualities that just any actor can portray.

If the casting is inappropriate, it will not only ruin the TV series, but also disappoint the expectations of countless book fans.

Therefore, the casting list must be reviewed by me first, and only after I approve it can it be finalized.

Upon hearing this, Mr. Shao responded without hesitation:

"Of course! Mr. Cha, rest assured, we will definitely select the most suitable actors for you to choose from."

In his view, this condition was reasonable. As the original author, Jin Yong naturally had a deeper understanding of the characters than anyone else.

With him overseeing the casting process, the quality of TV dramas can be further improved.

"The second condition," Jin Yong said, holding up another finger, his tone still serious, "is that the adapted script must pass my review."

He looked at Mr. Shao with an unwavering determination in his eyes.

"I know that when a novel is adapted into a TV series, some changes are inevitable."

However, alterations must not deviate from the core spirit of the original work, distort the characters' personalities, or arbitrarily tamper with the plot.

If I'm not satisfied with the script, then this contract will have to be void.

These words immediately made the atmosphere in the meeting room more serious. Mr. Shao knew very well that script review was of paramount importance in the adaptation process.

If Jin Yong is too strict with the filming, the production schedule may be affected.

But on second thought, Jin Yong proposed such conditions in order to ensure the quality of his works.

If TVB can really produce a martial arts drama that stays true to the original story, it will surely become a classic, and the ratings will naturally be guaranteed.

Without hesitation, Mr. Shao stood up, extended his hand to Jin Yong, and shook hands with him.

"Mr. Cha, I agree to all your requests! Our TVB will definitely respect the original work and your opinions, and produce a martial arts classic that will satisfy you and all book fans!"

Seeing Mr. Shao's solemn expression, Jin Yong smiled with satisfaction and said, "In that case, it will be a pleasure to cooperate."

Upon hearing his agreement, Mr. Shao's voice trembled with excitement: "A pleasure to cooperate! A pleasure to cooperate!"

The aroma of tea still lingered. Mr. Shao chatted with Mr. Jin Yong over tea, while his secretary began signing contracts with Mr. Jin Yong's assistant.

After everything was completed smoothly, Mr. Shao finally felt relieved.

With the support of Jin Yong's two martial arts novels, TVB will surely be able to turn the tide and carve out a path to victory in the ratings battle with WTV.