The Hong Kong New Talent Singing Contest began in 1982, jointly organized by the television station TVB and the record company Hua Xing. Although Hua Xing was a subsidiary of TVB, essentially, the contest was dominated by TVB alone.
Due to TVB's influence in Hong Kong Island, and having produced several prominent stars in recent contests, the New Talent Singing Contest had become an annual audition event in Hong Kong. While there were many similar singing contests on the island, none could compete with TVB's resources, which also included their famous Actor Training Program.
Clear Water Bay TV City, TVB's newly constructed facility for filming dramas, included studios, outdoor filming areas, production and administrative buildings, a props warehouse, a television production training center, and amenities like a restaurant, bank, and clinic. Studio 1 could accommodate nearly a thousand live audience members, and major live shows like award ceremonies and anniversaries were often held here. The renowned New Talent Singing Contest was no exception.
Zhang Jiacong didn't expect Chen Jin's participation to go so smoothly; he had quickly qualified for advancement. Zhang Weixiong said it was a rare opportunity. Zhang Jiacong didn't stop him, realizing Chen Jin was destined for greater things. He advised Chen Jin to be cautious and strive for success.
On the morning of August 27th, at 8 AM, Chen Jin and Zhang Weixiong left together. Zhang Weixiong was due to report to a new school term the next day and took this opportunity to accompany Chen Jin to TVB. Naturally, he was also keen to explore any chance to get inside.
After they left, only Zhang Weihao remained at home. As Zhang Weixiong was leaving, he cheerfully told Zhang Weihao, "Bro, once I make Ah Jin famous, I'll get you to help us out!"
Zhang Weihao was indifferent, accustomed to his usual lifestyle. He scoffed, "If Ah Jin becomes famous, I'd rather deal directly with him. You're just busy working for others; what you say doesn't matter much."
Chen Jin waved goodbye, "Bro Weihao, give me six months, and I'll have you join us."
They took a ferry to Aberdeen, followed by a bus ride and a transfer at a station. About an hour later, around 10 AM, they arrived at Clear Water Bay TV City, spanning over ten acres.
Upon arrival, they saw a bustling scene on a large slope. Chen Jin hardly recognized anyone, but Zhang Weixiong excitedly pointed out various actors and singers to him.
At the golden gate, which was about five or six meters wide, stood a giant billboard about two meters tall and three meters wide. It announced the Hong Kong New Talent Singing Contest. The most eye-catching part was a poster of Anita Mui, indicating she would be a special judge throughout the ninth season of the contest. Moreover, a special "Anita Mui Star Selection Award" would be introduced.
Next to the billboard, four people were gathering information: two men and two women. Seeing Chen Jin and Zhang Weixiong, they approached them. One of the men, who looked quite sunny, greeted them, "Are you guys also here to report?"
Before Chen Jin could reply, Zhang Weixiong jumped in to introduce himself, offering to represent anyone without an agent. Chen Jin quickly explained to the group that Zhang Weixiong was just his brother, known for his playful nature and admiration for stars.
"You're the Chen Jin who got the golden ticket?" the sunny boy asked in surprise, then introduced himself as Chen Qiang from Sham Shui Po.
Chen Jin exchanged greetings with the others: Xu Dong, Tang Baoru, and Lian Junying. Lian Junying, despite her masculine name, was a beautiful girl.
As they were getting acquainted, two more people joined them, including Li Guoxian, a familiar face to Chen Jin. Li Guoxian greeted them and introduced his companion, Zhao Shaowen from the Eastern District.
Li Guoxian joked about Chen Jin's appearance, insinuating that his good looks were his ticket to success. The others laughed, sharing an understanding look. Zhang Weixiong mockingly suggested he should have participated in the contest as well.
Zhao Shaowen disagreed, believing in Chen Jin's talent. He promised to help Chen Jin if he didn't become famous, to which Chen Jin responded appreciatively.
Zhang Weixiong proudly recounted their encounter with a famous actor last week, exaggerating the details. The group was impressed, though Li Guoxian remained skeptical.
Lian Junying, with her long hair and sweet looks, expressed admiration for Chen Jin, much to Tang Baoru's teasing. Tang Baoru, with her boyish haircut and pretty features, joked about Lian Junying's apparent crush on Chen Jin.
The tall and scholarly-looking Xu Dong chimed in playfully, causing Lian Junying to blush and start a playful scuffle with Tang Baoru. Amidst their banter, Lian Junying occasionally glanced at Chen Jin.
Zhang Weixiong nudged Chen Jin, congratulating him on catching Lian Junying's attention. Li Guoxian, feeling outshined by Chen Jin's charisma, half-jokingly asked Chen Jin to keep his distance for his own future happiness.
Chen Jin simply smiled, his charm radiating an almost otherworldly allure. His handsome features were irresistible, and it was no wonder Lian Junying had taken a liking to him.
Chen Qiang tried to lift Li Guoxian's spirits by pointing out Tang Baoru, but Li Guoxian dismissed her as too tomboyish. Overhearing this, Tang Baoru confronted Li Guoxian, who quickly deflected the comment, avoiding further conflict.
The group shared a laugh, but no one exposed Li Guoxian's comment. Even Zhang Weixiong stayed silent, not wanting to embarrass Tang Baoru by repeating the 'tomboy' remark.