This director only directs blockbusters.

Xue Kaiqi was the last to arrive.

When she pushed the door open, the whole room fell silent for a moment—not because she was a big star, but because the girl in the white dress stood timidly at the door, like a student who had wandered into the wrong movie set.

In 2003, Xue Kaiqi was 22 years old. He had just signed with Warner Music and had not yet released an album. He was not yet the Hong Kong succubus he would become.

She wore only light-colored lip gloss, had round eyes, and long, straight hair that looked as clean as a blank sheet of paper.

"I'm sorry... Boss Jiang said there are some seniors here tonight, so he asked me to come and broaden my horizons..." She spoke softly, clutching the strap of her handbag, standing by the door, not daring to go in.

"Ah Fi, come, sit here." Mrs. Xiang beckoned, her tone much gentler than when she spoke to others—this was her attitude of mentoring a younger generation.

Xue Kaiqi walked over in small steps, and bowed deeply as he passed Liu Dehua: "Hello, Brother Hua." Then he sat down in the seat pointed to by Xiang Tai, and placed his hands properly on his knees, like a primary school student.

Mrs. Heung introduced with a smile: "This is a new artist signed by Warner Music this year, named Xue Kaiqi. She's a singer and hasn't acted yet. I brought her here to introduce her to everyone."

Xue Kaiqi then dared to raise his head, glanced quickly at Yang Ning, and then lowered his eyes again: "Hello, Director Yang... I've watched 'The Purple Cloud Era' three times. I couldn't afford a movie ticket, so I watched it at an internet cafe..."

The voice grew softer and softer.

No one at the table laughed at her. In 2003, watching movies in internet cafes was commonplace; even poor students did it. But it must be said that many of them would later become loyal movie fans. The most classic saying is, "We all owe someone a movie ticket."

"How do you feel?" Yang Ning's voice was very gentle.

She looked up abruptly, her eyes lighting up: "Beautiful! When Lin Xue was dying, half the people in the internet cafe were wiping away tears..."

But the best part is the special effects and spectacular scenes. I really want to see it in a movie theater because the screens in internet cafes can't fully capture the impact.

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After speaking, he shrank back, as if he felt he had talked too much.

"Thank you." Yang Ning showed no displeasure whatsoever.

Xue Kaiqi smiled with his lips pursed, not daring to utter another word.

Now everyone's here. Half of Hong Kong's entertainment industry, plus a newcomer who's just started out, are all at this table.

The atmosphere at the table grew increasingly pleasant. Andy Lau chatted with Yang Ning about acting, Nicholas Tse occasionally chimed in with a comment about driving skills, and Twins and Joey Yung spoke in hushed tones.

Xue Kaiqi listened quietly the whole time, occasionally stealing a glance at Yang Ning, and quickly lowering his head to drink his soup when their eyes met.

Mr. Xiang and Albert Yeung occasionally spoke in hushed tones, presumably about business. Jiang Zhiqiang and Wang Zhonglei were discussing the mainland market.

Yang Ning sat in the middle, watching all of this.

Six months ago, he could only see most of these people on television.

Now, they sit together to eat, chat, and discuss cooperation.

This is what success brings.

It's not vanity; it's real resources and connections.

After dinner, we moved to the living room. Desserts, fruit, and red wine were served.

Nicholas Tse leaned closer to Yang Ning and lowered his voice: "Director Yang, for training... can I bring someone along?"

"Who?"

"I have a friend who's even better at driving than I am. He wants to join the crew as a stunt driver, he doesn't want any money, he just wants the opportunity."

"How are your skills?"

"He ranks in the top three among underground parking lots in Hong Kong."

Yang Ning thought for a moment: "Let him come to training next month. If he passes, we'll use him."

"Thank you, Director Yang." Nicholas Tse breathed a sigh of relief.

On the other side, Andy Lau was talking to Wang Zhonglei. Seeing Yang Ning looking over, Andy Lau walked over.

"Director Yang, there's something..." He hesitated for a moment, "Do you have any roles in your film... suitable for an older man? Just a cameo, no need for a lot of screen time."

Yang Ning was taken aback: "Brother Hua, you want to make a cameo appearance?"

"It's not that I wanted to, it's just..." Andy Lau laughed, "After watching your film, I got itchy hands. It's been too long since I've filmed this kind of hardcore action scene."

"Yes," Yang Ning said immediately, "There's a role for a retired police officer. It's not a big role, but it's crucial. If Brother Hua is interested..."

"Interested!" Andy Lau's eyes lit up. "You set the time, and I'll adjust my schedule."

This is truly a delightful surprise. Andy Lau's cameo appearance alone is incredibly valuable for publicity.

Mrs. Xiang arrived with Xue Kaiqi at some point, and put her hand on her shoulder: "Director Yang, this girl is timid and doesn't dare to speak up—actually, she has practiced action scenes at home and practiced in front of the mirror."

Xue Kaiqi blushed and waved his hands frantically, "No, no, I was just gesturing randomly..."

"Let me demonstrate for you," Yang Ning said.

The living room fell silent. Xue Kaiqi paused for two seconds, put down his handbag, and took two steps back.

Then she raised her hand, turned to the side, and delivered a spinning back kick—the movement was obviously unprofessional and lacked power, but the stance was there, and she even stumbled a bit when she pulled her leg back.

After regaining her footing, she looked at Yang Ning with a flushed face, not daring to speak.

"Have you practiced before?" Yang Ning asked.

"I just... watched a few action movies and practiced doing them in my room," Xue Kaiqi said softly. "I never went to class."

Are you interested in filming action scenes?

She opened her eyes wide, stared blankly for several seconds, then nodded vigorously: "Yes!"

"There's a character in the film, a record store girl, usually quiet and reserved, but capable of fighting tooth and nail in crucial moments," Yang Ning said. "She doesn't have many scenes, but she has two key scenes—a crying scene and an action scene. Would you dare to take the role?"

"I dare." This time there was no hesitation.

Mrs. Xiang smiled and patted her on the shoulder: "Aren't you going to thank Director Yang?"

"Thank you, Director Yang!" Xue Kaiqi bowed deeply, his eyes sparkling as he looked up, like a child who had just received a Christmas present.

Everyone laughed.

At this moment, Mr. Xiang walked over and patted Yang Ning on the shoulder: "Director Yang, let's talk in private."

The two went out onto the terrace. The night breeze was cool, and the sea could be seen in the distance.

"Director Yang, you saw all these people tonight." Mr. Xiang lit a cigar. "Hong Kong cinema is currently facing a talent shortage and needs fresh blood. Many people are eyeing your film. If it succeeds, you'll have plenty of people and resources in Hong Kong."

"Mr. Xiang means..."

"What I mean is, film it well." Mr. Xiang looked at him. "If you need anything, just say so. I'll take care of things in Hong Kong."

These words are both a promise and an expectation.

"Thank you, Mr. Xiang," Yang Ning said earnestly.

"Don't thank me." Mr. Xiang exhaled a puff of smoke. "Thank yourself. It was you who proved yourself with the film that made this dinner possible tonight."

When I got back to the living room, it was almost midnight.

Everyone took their leave one after another. Before leaving, Andy Lau exchanged contact information with Yang Ning. Twins and Joey Yung cautiously asked if they could take a photo together, and Yang Ning obliged.

Xue Kaiqi stood by the door, his handbag held to his chest, and waited until everyone had finished speaking before walking over.

"Director Yang." She took a notebook out of her bag, opened the cover—it was covered with clippings from "The Purple Cloud Era"—"Could you... sign this for me?"

Yang Ning took the pen and signed it.

"Practice hard." He handed the notebook back to her. "I'll have someone contact you for the audition next month."

"I will definitely try my best." Xue Kaiqi hugged the notebook tightly, bowed solemnly again, and then turned and ran away.