met free Chapter 154 The lead actors became big stars
Chapter 154 The lead actors became big stars
New Year's Day passed quietly in Hong Kong, and it was already mid-January 1981.
As the clock struck eight in the evening, the entire city seemed to fall into a silent hushed silence.
In the living rooms of each household, the light from the television screens glowed softly, casting flickering light on and off in the small space.
Inside the restaurant, the previously boisterous laughter and chatter subsided as everyone's eyes were fixed on the hanging television, as if afraid of missing a single detail of the plot.
The source of all this is the historical time-travel drama "A Step into the Past" currently airing on Zhonghua Television (formerly RTV).
Since "A Step into the Past" premiered on Hong Kong's prime-time television channel a week ago, the ratings landscape in Hong Kong has been completely rewritten.
Previously, TVB had firmly held the top spot in Hong Kong's television industry thanks to its long-standing reputation and mature star-making system.
Although TVB had its own RTV (Rediffusion Television) to compete with them, it was often outmatched, and TVB's viewership was almost entirely dominated by Hong Kong.
But no one expected that Zhonghua TV, which had just been acquired and renamed by Lin Zhou, would carve out a bloody path by relying on a time-travel drama adapted from a novel.
Every night from 8:00 to 9:30, during the hour and a half that "A Step into the Past" airs, the ratings of Zhonghua TV station would soar, with peak ratings even exceeding a terrifying 70%.
On the streets and alleys, during leisure time, people talked about Xiang Shaolong's wit and decisiveness, Wu Tingfang's charming and lively nature, and Qin Qing's gentle and intellectual demeanor.
The entertainment section of the newspapers featured news related to "A Step into the Past" on the front page every day, with everything from plot analysis to behind-the-scenes stories about the actors becoming hot topics that readers eagerly followed.
As the series became a hit, the lead actors went from being completely unknown to becoming superstars who were famous throughout Hong Kong overnight.
Tony Leung, who played the male lead Xiang Shaolong, became incredibly popular.
Prior to this, Tony Leung had taken on minor roles in several TV dramas due to financial needs, but he never truly gained widespread recognition.
But Xiang Shaolong in "A Step into the Past" seems to have been tailor-made for him.
In the drama, Xiang Shaolong, with modern thinking and wisdom, travels back to the chaotic situation at the end of the Warring States period.
He possesses both the composure and experience to navigate the various kingdoms, and the tenderness and sensitivity to emotions. Occasionally, he will utter a few modern lines that make people laugh, creating a striking contrast.
Tony Leung's portrayal of the character was incredibly vivid; every raised eyebrow and gentle smile exuded a unique charm.
These days, when he walks down the street, any turn he makes can attract screams and crowds of fans.
His posters and photos were plastered all over the newsstands in Hong Kong, and even in the shops of neighboring Macau, you could see Xiang Shaolong's image.
Major GG brands flocked to Zhonghua TV station, with endorsement offers pouring in, and their value increased dozens of times overnight.
Some say that Tony Leung is currently the most sought-after male actor in Hong Kong, without a doubt.
Even the veteran leading men of TVB paled in comparison to his brilliance.
With the star's sudden rise to fame, Zhonghua TV's popularity also soared.
When the latest ratings report came out, the entire television industry was shaken – the prime-time ratings of Chung Wah Television had surpassed those of TVB for three consecutive weeks, and the gap was widening.
This result has left those artists who rejected the invitation from Chung Wah Television filled with regret.
Do you remember a few months ago, Zhang Manli, the artist manager of RTV, went from house to house with business cards and signing agreements, inviting actors to join the company?
At that time, RTV had not yet changed its name to TVB, and its ratings were also suppressed by TVB.
The TV series adaptation of the novel "A Step into the Past" was considered quite bold at the time, and some people even thought it might not be successful.
Many artists, especially those who had just signed long-term contracts with TVB, rejected Zhang Manli without hesitation.
They felt that only by working for a major station like TVB could they have a chance to succeed, and that going to a small platform like RTV would be tantamount to ruining their future.
But who could have imagined that the winds of change would shift so quickly in just a few months?
At this moment, in the artist lounge of TVB, several young actors were sitting together, their faces full of frustration and resentment.
"If I had known... if I had known, I shouldn't have listened to my friend. I should have agreed when Sister Manli came to me."
A young male actor wearing a white T-shirt was clutching his hair with both hands, his voice filled with regret.
He recalled that Zhang Manli had approached him, wanting him to join RTV (Rediffusion Television), and promising him resources to play a significant role in "A Step into the Past".
However, relying on his recent contract with TVB and feeling that he had a bright future, he put on airs and refused, even making some sarcastic remarks, saying that the script for "A Step into the Past" was "unreliable".
Another male actor with slicked-back hair was also filled with remorse.
"I'm in a worse situation than you! When Sister Manli invited me, she promised to let me play the role of Zhao Pan!"
Look at the actor who played Zhao Pan now, how popular is he? People call his name everywhere he goes! What was I thinking back then, believing that TVB's resources were better?
He became more and more agitated as he spoke, and suddenly raised his hand and slapped himself hard.
A crisp slap echoed in the lounge, silencing the others.
"Me too..." An actress sniffed, her voice choked with emotion.
"Sister Manli also extended an olive branch to me back then, but said that I needed to sign with RTV first."
At the time, I felt that signing with RTV would mean no future, so I flatly refused.
Now look at Maggie Cheung and Carina Lau...
She couldn't continue speaking at this point.
Yes, look at Maggie Cheung and Carina Lau.
These two names are now known to almost everyone in Hong Kong.
Maggie Cheung's portrayal of Wu Tingfang is that of a spoiled and willful woman who is also kind-hearted and passionate. Every smile and frown of hers captivates the hearts of countless viewers.
In the drama, when Wu Tingfang first met Xiang Shaolong, she was the high and mighty eldest daughter of the Wu family, bossing him around.
However, through repeated interactions, she gradually became attracted to Xiang Shaolong's charm.
From initial confrontation to later deep affection, Maggie Cheung perfectly portrayed the character's growth and transformation.
Carina Lau's portrayal of Qin Qing, however, presents a completely different kind of charm.
She was a talented woman from the State of Zhao, gentle and virtuous, knowledgeable and reasonable, with a subtle scholarly air about her.
Her relationship with Xiang Shaolong was not as dramatic as Wu Tingfang's, but it was a gentle and enduring one.
Carina Lau portrayed Qin Qing's intellect and deep affection so vividly that countless viewers were deeply moved by her relationship with Xiang Shaolong.
Today, Maggie Cheung and Carina Lau are no longer the people who needed to work to make a living.
Today, their posters are plastered all over the streets and alleys, their names frequently appear on the front page of major newspapers, and when they walk on the street, they are surrounded by fans asking for autographs and photos.
They are the leading ladies of Chung Wah Television, and two of the most dazzling rising stars in Hong Kong's entertainment industry.