Chapter 553: Comprehensive Suppression

After spending the entire morning observing, Xia Yu's main focus was on leisure and reminiscing, whereas Ma Tengdong, Liu Shihao, and Huang Xizhao, his capable aides, were deeply engaged in observing and considering the surroundings. Liu Shihao from Jiuding Real Estate Group was particularly meticulous, studying Shenkou's map and muttering some data to himself, clearly evaluating potential locations for building skyscrapers and hotels, in preparation for future investments as per Xia Yu's instructions.

By noon, since Shenkou had yet to be developed, there were no luxury hotels nearby. However, the mainland did its utmost to prepare a sumptuous lunch for everyone. Afterwards, the group went to Yangcheng for a night's rest before boarding a plane early the next morning for their destination.

After approximately three and a half hours of flight, the plane landed at the capital airport around noon.

Here, the mainland had arranged a welcoming delegation, which held a brief but warm welcome ceremony at the airport before taking everyone to the Diaoyutai Guesthouse for check-in and lunch.

At this time, the capital was still lacking in commercial service facilities due to objective reasons. For instance, hotels and restaurants were few and of lower standards, far from the skyscraper-filled cityscape of the future.

In 1979, the capital had only a few foreign-related hotels, and whether in terms of reception capacity or supporting services, they could not compare to the star-rated hotels of Hong Kong.

However, given that this was the largest business delegation from Hong Kong to travel north, the mainland made every effort to accommodate them. Thus, a decision was made for everyone to stay at the Diaoyutai Guesthouse, which was specifically responsible for foreign affairs and reception services.

The ancient Diaoyutai was built in the Jin Dynasty about eight hundred years ago. Since Emperor Jin Zhangzong once built a platform here for fishing, it later became known as the "Emperor's Fishing Platform." Diaoyutai has stood firm through various dynasties, and during the Qing Dynasty, Emperor Qianlong himself inscribed "Diaoyutai" on the west side of the platform, with the inscription still visible on the wall of the west side of the gate.

The current Diaoyutai Guesthouse was built on the foundation of the ancient Diaoyutai, located in the western suburbs of the capital in the ancient Diaoyutai Scenic Area. It stretches about one kilometer north to south and 0.5 kilometers east to west, with a total area of 420,000 square meters.

Nearby Diaoyutai Guesthouse are many important landmarks such as the Navy General Hospital, Zhongyang Broadcasting and Television Tower, the State Administration of Taxation, the Military Museum, and the National Bureau of Statistics. Of course, the Hong Kong-Macao Affairs Office, closely related to the Hong Kong delegation, is also nearby, making communication convenient for this trip.

Since its expansion before the National Day in 1959, Diaoyutai Guesthouse has hosted hundreds of foreign heads of state and government leaders. For instance, in 1972, President Nixon of the U.S. delegation stayed in Building 18, which was specially designated for receiving heads of state and government leaders.

Today, due to the large number of people, Diaoyutai Guesthouse opened ten buildings to accommodate the business delegation. Top figures like Xia Yu, Bao Yugang, and Huo Yingdong were directly arranged to stay in Building 18. Such treatment showed the mainland's high regard for the Hong Kong delegation.

After enjoying a delicious and exquisite lunch, there were no afternoon activities planned, likely considering the travelers' fatigue. This allowed everyone to rest.

With some time before evening, Xia Yu and others strolled around the Diaoyutai Guesthouse. Li Qian, Ma Tengdong, Huang Xizhao, and Liu Shihao, who had never experienced classical culture and architecture, took this opportunity to appreciate the surroundings.

Building 18 had a Ming-style architectural design and was located at the central northern side of the Diaoyutai area. The presidential suite featured antique Ming-style decor and furnishings, exuding a regal atmosphere. The elegant and grand appearance of the ancient building was impressive.

Golden bronze lions from the Yuanmingyuan stood on either side of the main entrance, with artificial hills and rugged rocks outside the building. Willow trees by the clear lake had begun to bud, and colorful koi swam leisurely in the water. The chirping of birds and the buzzing of insects in the forest created a soothing atmosphere.

It was truly a tranquil and serene place away from the hustle and bustle.

"Have you gotten any inspiration, Shihao?" 

Seeing Liu Shihao's eyes sparkling as he observed the pavilions and buildings, and looked out at the combination of classical and modern architecture, Xia Yu asked with a smile.

"Chairman, the architecture here is extremely beautiful. I feel that Hong Kong's villas can't compare to these. If we could draw inspiration from this and create similar luxurious garden villas or high-end residential properties in Hong Kong, I'm sure the sales would be impressive."

Liu Shihao nodded repeatedly, unable to tear his eyes away.

Xia Yu smiled with satisfaction and encouraged him, "You can certainly give it a try."

"Hmm, yes!" Liu Shihao responded happily.

Xia Yu then turned to Huang Xizhao and asked, "Xizhao, what do you think?"

Huang Xizhao was silent for a moment, then said thoughtfully, "Chairman, just seeing these buildings for a short while, I feel that the culture inherited in Hong Kong is somewhat superficial. I have never seen such exquisite ancient architecture in Hong Kong. If we want to build an ancient film and television city, we really need to come to the mainland to accurately reproduce the ancient scenes."

Xia Yu gave him an appreciative look and said, "You're right. If you have the opportunity in the next few days, visit the Forbidden City. That's where the essence lies."

"For the upcoming film and television city construction, I suggest you hire experts from the mainland who specialize in ancient architecture from various dynasties to guide the project."

"I watched two episodes of *The Legend of the Condor Heroes*. I can tell that you've done your best, but the architecture and scenes are still somewhat simple. But don't blame yourselves; the previous film base was too rudimentary."

Huang Xizhao showed a look of shame and nodded solemnly, "Chairman, I understand. I will definitely learn from this experience."

Xia Yu smiled and waved his hand, "I'm not criticizing you. The current results are already quite good."

In fact, while at home, Xia Yu watched the first two episodes of *The Legend of the Condor Heroes* with his parents. Overall, the effect was good, and he was quite satisfied.

The series took just over four months from project initiation to completion, an impressively quick turnaround.

However, knowing the speed of film production in Hong Kong, four months was considered slow.

Hong Kong is known for its rapid production of films and television dramas. Sometimes, movies are shot and released within two weeks without a completed script, and the quality can still be quite good.

However, *The Legend of the Condor Heroes* was a production of Global TV, owned by Xia Yu, and no one dared be careless. Thus, the script, casting, filming, and editing were all meticulously done.

This resulted in a top-quality television series.

Combined with the well-made *The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber*, the two dramas became a sensation in Hong Kong and Macau, overwhelming TVB's dramas that were heavily promoted but could not compete.

The two series provided a visual feast for the citizens of Hong Kong, with each channel broadcasting a different series. Even though each was only partially aired, the average viewership ratings were above 35%.

At its peak, *The Legend of the Condor Heroes* had a viewership rating of up to 45%, with a market share of 82%, dominating the TV drama field at that time.

Adding to this was Global TV's popular variety show *Millionaire*, the top news programs, and high-quality financial and lifestyle shows, as well as influential cartoons among teenagers.

In just a few months, Global TV had completely surpassed TVB, leaving Shao Yifu struggling to keep up.

The dramatic shift in just a few months had amazed industry professionals in Hong Kong.

Fortunately, for this northern trip, Shao Yifu did not come due to political reasons. Otherwise, facing Xia Yu and Huang Xizhao, it would have been an awkward situation.